35 supporters of Just Stop Oil have blocked two service stations on the M25 in support of their demand that the UK government end new oil and gas projects in the UK.
Starting from 7am today, actions took place at the Cobham Services in Surrey and the Clacket Lane Services in Kent. At both locations, JustStop Oil supporters blocked the entrances to the petrol pump area by sitting in the road with banners. Some supporters also sabotaged the petrol pump by breaking the display glass and covering it with spray paint.
Nathan McGovern, 22 a student from Coventry taking action today said:
“The world’s most vulnerable are dying from a fossil-fuelled nightmare right now, whilst our government proposes to drill for more oil and gas. I refuse to stand by and watch as heatwaves and drought murder people across the global South and families in the UK are forced to choose between eating and heating. If politicians and bureaucrats refuse to act then it falls on ordinary people to do what they will not.”
Stephanie Golder, 34, a charity project coordinator from Essex taking action today said:
“I’m sick and tired of being treated like a criminal for standing up for what is right. The real criminals are those refusing to act on the climate emergency, it’s truly genocidal for our government to give new licences for oil exploration.
“The poorest in this country need help with their energy bills now. But instead the government’s energy strategy fails to mention energy saving measures such as insulation and instead prioritises a ‘plan’ which puts us on a fast-track for climate chaos.”
Today’s action is a significant escalation after 10 Just Stop Oil supporters were arrested yesterday outside Kingsbury oil terminal whilst standing peacefully on a grass verge with placards. They are due to appear at the Victoria Law Courts in Birmingham today charged with contempt of court in respect of an injunction granted to North Warwickshire Borough Council on 14th April.
Two young supporters of Just Stop Oil are also due to appear in court in Manchester today for breaking the Warwickshire injunction. They potentially face unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison. [1]
Since April 1st when supporters of Just Stop Oil first began blocking oil terminals there have been over 1000 arrests. The supporters of Just Stop Oil will continue the disruption until the government makes a statement that it will end new oil and gas projects in the UK.
The Just Stop Oil Coalition is calling on all of those whose futures are being destroyed, who are facing poverty now, and who are outraged at yet another betrayal by this continuing dependence on oil and gas, to step up and take action. Join our zoom calls at 7pm. It’s 2022 and the time to stand by has passed.
ENDS
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High quality photos and video footage available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Dgcuv5vJjzfdSrdpX6HJEaayoidc08xy?usp=sharing
Website: https://juststopoil.org/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-t4U1Azf8AOkCBJILSNBmw
Notes to Editors
[1] Jake Handling, 27, and Joshua Smith, 29 have a hearing at 10.30am on 28 April 2022 at Manchester Civil Justice Centre 1 Bridge Street West Manchester M60 9DJ
