…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Just Stop Oil protesters have warned the Home Secretary that new legislation to crack down on marches won’t stop them, as the group moved demonstrations to major east and west London thoroughfares.
Supporters blocked traffic along Uxbridge Road in Ealing and Putney and Mile End Road, in east London, around 8am on Friday, in a fifth consecutive day of protests.
The group has been using the slow walking tactic, which has prompted police to issue Public Order Act (S12) notices to remove supporters from the roads.
Just Stop Oil protesters have warned that new legislation to crack down on marches won’t stop them, as the group moved demonstrations to major east and west London thoroughfares.
The group has been using the slow walking tactic, which has prompted police to issue Public Order Act (S12) notices to remove supporters from the roads.
Supporters of the group blocked traffic along Uxbridge Road in Ealing and Putney and Mile End Road in east London, in a fifth consecutive day of protests.
The group has been using this method of resistance to protect their rights, lives, and livelihoods, comparing themselves to the Suffragettes and Civil Rights movements.
Suella Braverman introduced new laws giving officers the ability to intervene and stop the slow walking tactic, which is widely used by Just Stop Oil.
On her Public Order Bill, which will pass into law after being approved by the House of Lords on Wednesday, Ms Braverman said: “Selfish, disruptive protesters are wreaking havoc in people’s everyday lives across the country and this must be brought to a stop.”
Analysis:
The Just Stop Oil protests in London have caused significant disruption to traffic and have prompted the government to introduce new legislation to crack down on marches.
The group has been using the slow walking tactic to protest against the government’s lack of action on climate change and to demand a transition away from fossil fuels.
The introduction of new laws to stop this tactic has not deterred the group, and they have continued their demonstrations on major London thoroughfares.
The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, and the use of peaceful civil disobedience has a long history of bringing about change.
However, the government has a responsibility to ensure that such protests do not cause undue harm or disruption to the public.
The introduction of new laws to crack down on protests raises concerns about the restriction of civil liberties and the erosion of democratic values.
Commentary:
The Just Stop Oil protests highlight the urgent need for action on climate change and the transition away from fossil fuels.
The government’s lack of action on this issue is a cause for concern, and peaceful demonstrations can help raise awareness and put pressure on policymakers.
However, it is essential to ensure that such protests are conducted in a way that does not cause undue harm or disruption to the public.
The government’s response to the protests raises questions about the balance between protecting civil liberties and maintaining public order.
The introduction of new laws to crack down on protests must be accompanied by a robust framework to safeguard civil liberties and ensure that such laws are not used to stifle legitimate dissent.
The Just Stop Oil protesters have shown that they are committed to their cause and that they will continue their demonstrations despite new legislation.
It is up to the government to engage with protesters and address their concerns in a meaningful way.