26 Apr 2023 | 08:44 AM UTC
UK: Climate activists to stage further demonstrations in London through late April-early May
Climate activists to stage further demonstrations in central London, UK, through early May; increased security, disruptions likely.
Event
Climate activist groups led by Just Stop Oil (JSO) plan to stage a series of demonstrations in London in the coming days. The purpose of the action is to pressure the government to stop all investments in fossil fuels. Activists plan daily protest marches from 07:00 on major roads in central London; specific routes have not been announced, likely in an effort to maximize disruptions. On April 26, marches took place on Whitehall, Parliament Square, Waterloo Bridge, and Victoria Street, as well as elsewhere in the city center.
Attendance across the demonstration period will likely be in the thousands. Further protest actions are likely across London. Previous JSO protests have involved activists blocking traffic on major roads, disrupting activity at transport hubs, including tube stations, or at the premises of businesses with perceived poor environmental practices. Significant business and travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of all JSO actions.
Police will likely deploy to all actions and attempt to prevent or disperse demonstrations that are likely to cause significant disruption. However, JSO organizers deliberately attempt to cause maximum disruption by communicating protest details at short notice over private channels, and activists often glue or otherwise physically attach themselves to road surfaces to prevent police from removing them. As a result, disruption tends to be unpredictable and instant, and actions can last for several hours. Clashes are unlikely as JSO advocates non-violent civil disobedience; however, there have previously been instances of scuffles with frustrated commuters, and some activists may engage in acts of vandalism as part of their demonstrations.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Check trusted local media sources for up-to-date information on demonstrations in the coming days. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys; allow extra time to reach destinations in central London during the protest campaign. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
