VIDEO and PHOTOS: 'Just Stop Oil' protests bring Lancaster city centre traffic to a halt

Sunday, 19 March 2023 07:30

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The Just Stop Oil protest in Lancaster blocking the path of a bus on Saturday. Photos by Josh Brandwood.

'Just Stop Oil' protesters have brought traffic to a standstill in Lancaster city centre.

Climate campaigners took part in a slow march through the city bringing chaos to the one-way system on Saturday afternoon.

Police liaison officers were drafted in to oversee the demonstration which disrupted car journeys and delayed bus services.

Vehicles travelling through Lancaster beeped their horns at the campaigners as they slowly walked in front of them chanting "No new oil, no new coal, no new gas!" and "Insulate Britain!"

See video below by Josh Brandwood.

The march, which went on for about an hour, coincided with other demonstrations across the country.

The Just Stop Oil group is campaigning for more action on climate change but their tactics, which include blocking busy motorways, have faced criticism.

They want the government to halt new licences for the exploration of oil and other fossil fuels in the UK.

The government plans to license more than 100 new oil and gas projects by 2025.

"Lancaster people like people all over the UK just got through a hellish winter with sky-high heating bills and food bills," said Fiona, one of the demonstrators.

"Meanwhile our government is investing tax payers money, our money in fossil fuels - 236 million quid a week subsidising an industry that's rolling in money whilst destroying our future.

"Extreme weather events happening more often means crop failures and water shortages. We need that money investing in renewables which are currently nine times cheaper."

A government spokesperson said it remained "fully committed" to reaching net zero by 2050 however with "Russia weaponising energy across Europe, it must do so in a way that protected energy security".

"This includes increasing domestic gas supply, which we've always been clear will have a role in our transition to net zero. But we will also continue to drive forward our commitments on nuclear and renewables like offshore wind," it said.

"While we respect the right to protest, people's day-to-day lives should not be disrupted, and criminal activity will not be tolerated."

Just Stop Oil protests have been taking place regularly around the UK.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps described recent disruption by protesters on the M25 as "completely outrageous".

The government is trying to introduce a new Public Order Bill, currently going through Parliament, to introduce stronger penalties for protesters.

While current law means people who obstruct a highway can be prosecuted or fined, the authorities have found it difficult to deal with the Just Stop Oil protests around the UK.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said Saturday's protest in Lancaster passed off without incident.

Here are some more photos of Saturday's protest, by Josh Brandwood.