Police crackdown as Just Stop Oil campaigners block terminals

Oil activist cuffed and crying


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Arrests have been made as a series of anti-oil protests kick off across the UK. Protestors from the Just Stop Oil campaign have blocked roads at oil terminals. These include sites in Essex, Southampton and near Heathrow, according to the BBC. Bywire News reported another terminal was blocked in Birmingham.

The group’s Twitter account showed activists blocking trucks in the early hours:

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In a statement, Just Stop Oil said:

The Just Stop Oil coalition is demanding an end to the government’s genocidal policy of expanding UK oil and gas production and is calling on all those outraged at the prospect of climate collapse and suffering from the cost-of-living crisis to stand with us.

They added:

Ordinary people can no longer afford oil and gas, it’s time to just stop oil.

Arrests

The crackdown was immediate, with six arrests being reported by Essex police. But there were signs that the protests were succeeding. Exxon Mobil reported that some sites ceased operating for the moment. 

The latest protests follow on from activists tying themselves to goalposts at football matches to raise awareness of climate change:

Meanwhile, Just Stop Oil tweeted about how people could support their activism by donating or joining one of their Zoom calls:

Elsewhere, activists involved recorded messages to the public about why they were blocking the terminals:

Another activist, who appeared to have been arrested, handcuffed, and placed on a verge, tearfully explained their motivations in a YouTube video:

 

Extinction Rebellion reported that even some of the truck drivers at the blocked terminals were supportive of the protests:

Just Stop Oil’s website carries further testimony from activists about their motivations. Louise Harris from Luton said:

“When people ask me why I’m taking action, I always think the better question is ‘Why aren’t you taking action?’.

She added:

I’m a singer-songwriter with dreams for the future, but I’m devoting my time and energy now to stopping this genocidal government so that my dreams even stand a chance. It is not a sacrifice to take action – the sacrifice is what happens when you don’t: the sacrifice is your life, your future, and those of everyone on this planet.”

No new oil

Just Stop Oil said that ordinary people “are being made to pay” while the government wastes £230m a week subsidising the oil industry and energy companies make huge profits:

There must be no more increases in fuel or heating costs. Fossil fuel companies and the richest must pay.

The cost of living crisis is not going to end, but we can insulate ourselves from higher fuel prices by getting off oil and gas. No new oil, reduce demand and invest in renewables.

Despite the arrests, the protests continue across England.

Featured image via Youtube/Just Stop Oil, cropped to 770 x 403. 

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