Just Stop Oil Protesters Arrested at London Pride Parade
Seven Just Stop Oil activists were hauled away by police after crashing the annual Pride parade in central London. The eco-warriors briefly brought the march to a halt near Piccadilly Circus, sparking a 17-minute delay.
Chaos at Piccadilly Circus as Protesters Block Parade
Demonstrators blocked the path of a Coca-Cola float for about 20 minutes at the junction with Down Street. Despite the disruption, the float’s DJ kept the tunes pumping, while the crowd cheered as police escorted the protesters off the route.
Just Stop Oil Targets ‘High-Polluting’ Pride Sponsors
The activists, including LGBTQ+ members, had warned of action if Pride continued accepting money from polluting industries. They demanded organisers reject sponsorships tied to oil, gas, and coal, arguing these sectors undermine LGBTQ+ rights and worsen climate change—a crisis disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
“We call on Pride to refuse licenses and sponsorship from fossil fuel companies that harm our planet and community,” said the group.
Pride Organisers and Mayor Respond to Protest
Will De’Athe-Morris, a London Pride spokesperson, said: “We want the parade to stay focused on celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and rights. Protests are important but should not overshadow the event. There are other times of the year to raise these concerns.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan acknowledged Just Stop Oil’s role as a pressure group but stressed: “Pride is a vital space for unity and celebration which must be protected.”
