Eco-campaigners Just Stop Oil resumed protests on Wednesday, blocking traffic outside Parliament and leading to the arrest of up to 60 activists. The demonstration occurred as Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his debut at Prime Minister's Questions. The group had previously announced it was standing down in March 2025 after the government agreed to its demand to end new oil and gas licenses.
Metropolitan Police officers responded to the protest in Parliament Square at approximately 12:04 p.m. The activists sat in the road, with Just Stop Oil stating that a significant number had glued themselves to the tarmac. Activists carried banners and wore orange high-visibility vests. The police reported that specialist officers were deployed, and some individuals were removed from the road.
A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed that officers were engaging with the group and working with partners, including Transport for London (TfL), to minimize disruption.
Just Stop Oil stated that the protest was a response to rumors that Prime Minister Burnham might approve new drilling in the North Sea. The group issued a statement asserting that over 60 supporters were blocking Parliament Square, with many glued to the road, while another 40 demonstrated from the pavement. They claimed to have left one lane open for emergency vehicles. The activists are demanding that the UK government cease approving further oil and gas developments and sign a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
The protest coincided with a United Nations report indicating the globe is on track for at least a 2°C warming. Just Stop Oil highlighted this report, emphasizing the climate crisis and the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters linked to global warming.
Just Stop Oil became a prominent, and at times controversial, protest movement through various actions across the UK. These included blockades of roads, stunts at high-profile locations such as Silverstone and Stonehenge, and disruptions at cultural events and sporting matches. Policing these activities reportedly cost the Metropolitan Police nearly £20 million in 2023 alone, resulting in 3,300 arrests and 180 jail sentences.
One participant, Trish Fitzmaurice, a mother from Norfolk, expressed a plea for leadership regarding the climate crisis, stating, "The climate crisis is the biggest threat humanity has ever faced. We are destroying our only home by burning fossil fuels. Oil and gas mean death."
It remains unclear if Just Stop Oil intends to re-establish a regular pattern of protests under the current administration. The group pointed to the UN warning that the world is exceeding the target of 1.5°C of global warming.