Climate activists spray paint UK's energy department building in latest protest
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London: Climate protesters from the group 'Just Stop Oil' staged another high-profile direct-action protest on July 19, targeting the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero building in London.
In a video posted by the organisation, a man and a woman were seen spraying orange paint on the building using a fire-extinguisher shaped object. The protesters demanded an immediate halt to all new licences and consents for oil, gas, and coal projects in the UK.
The incident occurred at around 7:30 am, with onlookers recording the act, but no one intervened to stop the protesters. The Metropolitan Police responded to the scene, arresting the two individuals for causing criminal damage. Climate activists from 'Just Stop Oil' have been making their presence felt in London's streets, engaging in daily demonstrations, undeterred by potential conflicts or arrests.
The group is known for its high-profile direct-action protests, disrupting events like Premier League football matches and sporting events to draw attention to their cause. They have previously targeted famous paintings, throwing tomato soup on them, and even glued themselves to picture frames in galleries.
Their main demand is for the UK government to end all new oil and gas exploration projects, and they have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. Recently, the wedding of George Osborne, the UK's former Chancellor of the Exchequer and newspaper editor, also fell victim to their protest. During the wedding ceremony, a 'Just Stop Oil' protester showered the couple with orange confetti, further drawing media attention to the group's cause.
In response to the confetti incident, the group issued a statement defending the action, claiming that it upheld a tradition common in many cultures. While they acknowledged the possibility of it being a form of protest, they applauded the act, as it brought more attention to their demand for an end to new oil and gas projects.