26 Oct 2023 | 12:14 PM UTC
UK: Climate activists announce further daily demonstrations in London from Oct. 29
Climate activists announce further daily roadblock demonstrations in central London, UK, from Oct. 29. Traffic disruptions likely.
Climate activists led by Just Stop Oil (JSO) will likely resume daily demonstrations in London from Oct. 29. The purpose of the actions is to pressure the government to stop all investments in fossil fuels. The protests are likely to block roads during morning peak-hour traffic, either in fixed locations or by walking slowly along roads. JSO announced that the action will continue for three weeks.
The JSO group may also target central landmarks, sporting and cultural events, motorways in the London region, and businesses associated with fossil fuels. Protests may include blocking pavements and spraying paint over buildings.
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 motorists, and some activists may engage in acts of vandalism as part of their demonstrations.
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.
In recent months, JSO staged protests nearly daily in London between April and September. On Saturdays, demonstrators regularly gather at Parliament Square in Whitehall. Protest action has also occurred at high-profile events, at central landmarks, and at businesses with perceived poor environmental practices. Each localized event is likely to draw a handful to a few dozen activists. Larger demonstrations, including those at Parliament Square, could attract a few hundred people.
