Just Stop Oil block South Circular as never-ending slow march protests step out for another day
Drivers try to force their way through Just Stop Oil mob as activists return to streets of west London for rush-hour slow-march protest - after Sadiq Khan said protesters were 'a really important pressure group'
- Members staged protests across Vauxhall, Ealing, Southwark and elsewhere
Furious drivers attempted to force their way through Just Stop Oil[2] eco-zealots as they blocked roads during rush hour in the capital this morning.
The eco-mob held up banners while slow-walking on the South Circular Road near its junction with the A40 in west London, while also causing disruption on Kings Street in Hammersmith, New Kent Road in Southwark and Hanger Lane in Ealing.
A series of clips shared online showed fed-up motorists nudging against the demonstrators with their vehicles before speeding off or attempting to drive around them and almost knocking them over.
Monday's action, which resulted in multiple arrests, comes little over a day after London Mayor Sadiq Khan branded the eco-warriors a 'really important pressure group.'
The Labour politician made the comments during the capital's Pride parade on Saturday, which was disrupted when Just Stop Oil members blocked a float to protest against 'polluting' sponsors such as Coca-Cola.
Just Stop Oil protesters appear to tell a motorist to halt as they carry out a slow march in Hanger Lane, west London, this morning
Protesters were seen slow walking on the South Circular Road near its junction with the A40 in the west of the capital
Speaking before their action, Mr Khan said: 'I agree with protesting in a way that is lawful, safe, and peaceful. I think that Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil are really important pressure groups trying to put power on those who have power and influence.
'I fully support the right to protest. It's really important to recognise the joy of a democracy is protest.'
However he added that he 'was not sure' how Just Stop Oil 'protesting at a protest helps the cause when it comes to tackling the climate emergency.'
Video footage from Monday's protests shows one black BMW repeatedly push against the legs of activists as it refuses to be delayed by their disruption.
A protester is heard asking 'what do we do?' before being told by a ringleader: 'Don't sit on it!'.
The car eventually breaks through the wall of activists and speeds off.
Another clip shared online shows the moment a fed-up motorist almost knocked over a protester on the A201 near Elephant and Castle.
The white van driver swiftly overtakes a woman who is slow-walking in front of him while holding a sign reading 'no new oil'.
The protester, who appeared to be one of three blocking the road, stumbles as her hands push against the vehicle, but she avoids falling over.
Images from Hanger Lane show demonstrators telling a driver of a navy van to halt as it edges just inches away from their feet.
Elsewhere, five protesters caused 'serious disruption' on Vauxhall Bridge Road at 8.30am, police said.
The Met added: 'Officers issued a section 12 condition to move off the carriageway at 08.34hrs, which was complied with. The road was cleared at 08.35hrs.'
Just Stop Oil also uploaded a video of Reverend Bill White being arrested today, claiming he was one of 34 members to take part in slow marches across the capital.
It follows a weekend of disruption which saw the group attempt to put a stop to London's historic LGBT+ Pride Parade – leading at least five members to be charged.
Protesters from the eco-group sat in front of a Coca-Cola float to protest the company's use of plastic.
Four protesters stage a Just Stop Oil slow walk through Knightsbridge in central London today
Protesters were also causing disruption on Kings Street in Hammersmith, New Kent Road in Southwark and Hanger Lane (pictured) in Ealing, according to the Metropolitan Police
A lorry pulls over on Hanger Lane amid disruptive protests by Just Stop Oil on Monday morning
It follows a weekend of disruption which saw the group attempt to put a stop to London's historic LGBT+ Pride Parade – leading at least five members to be charged (protesters pictured on South Circular Road today)
🚨 REVEREND ARRESTED AS JUST STOP OIL BEGINS 11th WEEK OF SLOW MARCHING
🦺 Reverend Bill White has just been arrested as 34 people march today demanding no new oil and gas.
🚷 Join Bill and sign up to march together from the week beginning 16th July at https://t.co/7BzUVS02dZ pic.twitter.com/weAoK7Aar4[3][4]
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) July 3, 2023[5]Ben Plumpton, 68, of Underbank Avenue, Charlestown, Calderdale, Zosia Lewis, 22, of Melbourne[6] Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Oliver Clegg, 20, of Olney Street, Manchester, Gosse Bootsma, 25, of no fixed address and Callum Goode, 23, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, were arrested on Saturday.
They were charged under the Public Order Act with behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and were bailed to attend Westminster Magistrates' Court in London tomorrow, Scotland Yard said.
Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were released on bail pending further inquiries, the force added.
All seven were arrested at about 1.25pm on Saturday, after Just Stop Oil activists disrupted the march at Down Street, Piccadilly.
They accused Coca-Cola of being 'the world's worst plastic polluter, accused of numerous human rights abuses'.
A spokesman said Pride had failed to address their relationship with 'destructive industries' that use the event to 'pinkwash' their reputations.
They added: 'These partnerships embarrass the LGBTQ+ community, at a time when much of the cultural world is rejecting ties to these toxic industries.
'We call on Pride to remember the spirit in which it was founded and to respect the memory of all those who fought and died to secure the rights we now possess, whilst taking the necessary steps to protect our community long into the future.'
Legendary LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: 'Climate destruction is destroying communities, jobs, homes and lives across the world, especially in poorer countries.
'Our community must not collude with environment, species and climate destroying companies.'
References
- ^ Laurence Dollimore (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Just Stop Oil (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ https://t.co/7BzUVS02dZ (t.co)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/weAoK7Aar4 (t.co)
- ^ July 3, 2023 (twitter.com)
- ^ Melbourne (www.dailymail.co.uk)