Eight activists from the Just Stop Oil group were recently arrested at Gatwick airport for staging a protest using suitcases with lock-on devices near a security gate. The activists entered the airport’s southern terminal at 8 am and were seen sitting on the floor, blocking an entrance.
Despite the protest, a London Gatwick spokesperson mentioned that the airport was open and operating normally, with a small number of protestors being arrested and removed from the premises. Sussex Police stated that the eight individuals were arrested on suspicion of interfering with public infrastructure, and warned of a heightened police presence at the airport.
Just Stop Oil released a statement expressing their frustration with political leaders for their inaction in addressing climate change. The group highlighted their commitment to taking necessary actions to exert political pressure until concrete steps are taken to protect communities from the impacts of climate breakdown. They announced their global campaign, Oil Kills, which aims to declare key areas of the fossil fuel economy as sites of civil resistance.
The protest at Gatwick is part of this international campaign, with 21 groups across 12 countries participating in demonstrations at 17 airports worldwide. Just Stop Oil emphasized the urgency of their actions, citing recent reports of record-breaking high temperatures globally.
This protest comes on the heels of two activists being found guilty of criminal damage for throwing soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting at the National Gallery in London. Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, both 22 years old, committed this act of protest in October 2022 as a part of their activism.
The Just Stop Oil group’s efforts reflect a growing trend of environmental activism on a global scale, with individuals and organizations taking bold steps to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action. Despite facing legal consequences, these activists remain committed to their cause and continue to push for meaningful change in the face of climate crisis.
