Just Stop Oil are back: Up to 60 activists are arrested for blocking road outside Parliament as Andy Burnham makes his PMQs debut

Up to 60 activists affiliated with the eco-campaign group Just Stop Oil were arrested after blocking a road outside Parliament on Wednesday, coinciding with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions. The protest, which involved demonstrators sitting in the road and gluing themselves to the tarmac, drew a heavy police response. At least 47 individuals were detained on suspicion of public order offenses, with additional protesters still glued to the surface as police worked to clear the site. The demonstration took place in central London, near Parliament Square, where the activists held large banners bearing slogans such as “no oil, no gas” and wore orange high-visibility vests. According to statements released by the group, the protest followed rumors that Burnham might approve new offshore drilling projects in the North Sea. This marks a return to activism for Just Stop Oil, which had previously suspended operations in March 2025 after claiming the government had conceded to its demands to halt new oil and gas licenses. The group, known for its disruptive tactics, has become one of the most controversial protest movements in recent years. Past actions included shutting down major roads such as the Dartford Bridge, causing a dangerous situation at Silverstone by trespassing on a racing circuit, and damaging historical sites like Stonehenge. Activists have also interrupted sporting events, including matches at Lord’s Cricket Ground, and staged demonstrations at cultural venues such as West End theater productions. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers were called to the scene due to reports of disruption. Specialist units were deployed to manage the situation, with some protesters being physically removed from the road. A spokesperson stated that the road remained closed as work continued to disperse the group. The force noted that the operation had already resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals, with more expected as remaining protesters were cleared from the area. The cost of policing these protests has been substantial. In 2023 alone, the Met spent nearly £20 million managing Just Stop Oil-related disruptions, requiring increased staffing and resources. Over the past year, the group has led to more than 3,300 arrests and 180 convictions, marking a rise in legal action against its members compared to previous periods. In a statement, Just Stop Oil emphasized the timing of its latest action, noting that the United Nations had warned that global temperatures are projected to increase by at least 2 degrees Celsius within a human lifetime. The group reiterated its call for the UK government to cease approving new fossil fuel projects and to sign a Fossil Fuel Treaty. It claimed that approximately 60 individuals were actively blocking the road, with a notable number having adhered themselves to the tarmac, while another 40-plus protesters gathered on the sidewalk in support. The protest comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding energy policy and climate action. With Burnham’s leadership, the government faces pressure to balance economic interests with environmental concerns. As the situation unfolds, authorities will likely continue monitoring the impact of such demonstrations on public safety and infrastructure. For now, the focus remains on clearing the affected road and ensuring the area returns to normal operation.