Just Stop Oil Sparks London Gridlock as Activists Defy Police Crackdown and Demand End to New Oil Licenses

Just Stop Oil Causes Chaos on London Streets

At 8am this morning, 13 Just Stop Oil activists in hi-vis vests stormed Shepherd’s Bush Green in west London. They marched slowly on the road, sparking huge traffic delays. Police quickly arrested two for highway obstruction.

More Protests Rage in Central London

Meanwhile, fresh action is underway at Aldwych in central London. The group’s disruption follows weekend reports of a police crackdown ordered by the government on Just Stop Oil’s peaceful protests.

Just Stop Oil Defiant Despite Arrests

A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil hit back:

“Wanting to prevent the end of human civilisation is not a ‘cause’ and Just Stop Oil is not just a protest movement. Our supporters are ordinary people using all peaceful means to secure humanity’s future. History shows nonviolent direct action is the only way to force real change.

We won’t be cowed by new laws or tougher policing. Our supporters know this fight is far bigger than rights or freedoms—it’s about stopping mass starvation and disaster. The government can stop this chaos tomorrow simply by halting new oil and gas licences.”

Student Hannah Smith, 20, slammed the government’s silence:

“We’ve made it clear why we’re doing this. The real question is, why won’t the government listen? People are fed up and deserve better leaders.

Turn climate anxiety into anger—aim that anger at the government. By pushing new oil and gas, they’re making things worse. Don’t buy into the idea that change is impossible. Together, we hold the power.”

Charity worker Alex Mackaness, 28, added:

“World scientists warn of catastrophe, yet nothing’s done. I protest for my five-year-old cousin, and all those who can’t speak yet. The UN General Secretary says we’re on a highway to climate hell with the foot on the accelerator. We won’t be silenced. We’ll keep peaceful action going to force the government to stop new oil and gas.”

Over 2,000 Arrests, Yet Protests Rage On

Today’s protests mark the first since 10th November, ending six weeks of continuous disruption that led to over 700 arrests. Since April 1st, over 2,000 Just Stop Oil activists have been detained, with 27 still behind bars.

The group condemns the government’s plans to approve 100+ new oil and gas projects by 2025. They accuse ministers of enabling millions of deaths and societal collapse by ignoring skyrocketing energy bills and climate warnings.

Just Stop Oil calls on the public to join their fight:

“We stand with those imprisoned and the 1,700 lives lost in the global south protecting all of us. We won’t sit back and watch them destroy everything we love. As citizens, parents, and children, we have the right to protect ourselves. This is the last generation that can solve this crisis. Will you step up? Together, we can Just Stop Oil.”