Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ After three years of headline-grabbing stunts and mass civil disobedience, the British environmental activist group Just Stop Oil has officially concluded its protest campaign in London, marking the end of an era in climate activism.
On Saturday, several hundred supporters took part in a symbolic final march through the heart of the UK capital, moving from Parliament to the headquarters of oil and gas giant Shell. In a poignant gesture, activists removed their signature high-visibility orange vests upon arrival, a visible sign of their transition away from the disruptive tactics that made them a household name.
Founded in 2022, Just Stop Oil quickly rose to prominence with a simple but urgent mission: to compel the UK government to end the extraction of oil and gas by 2030. Over the years, their confrontational protests, strategic media engagement, and unwavering persistence captured national and international attention, forcing conversations about fossil fuels into the mainstream.
In March 2025, the group declared that it had achieved its immediate objective. Citing the decision by the UK Labour government to halt new oil and gas exploration licenses in the North Sea, Just Stop Oil announced it would suspend its high-profile public disruptions.
Since its inception, more than 3,000 Just Stop Oil activists have been arrested, including 58-year-old co-founder Roger Hallam, who remains behind bars alongside 10 other members. Five additional activists are due for sentencing in May.
Protest Tactics That Shook Britain
The group employed highly daring methods. From dousing Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting with tomato soup to covering Stonehenge with bursts of orange paint powder, their protests often sparked outrage among politicians, the police, and the public alike. Disruptions at iconic events like Wimbledon tennis matches only added to their controversial reputation.
Despite frequent condemnation, the group credits these bold actions with forcing the fossil fuel debate into the public eye. As Mel Carrington, a spokesperson for Just Stop Oil, explained, “Our actions have been very effective in grabbing press attention.” However, she acknowledged that changing political climates notably the re-election of climate change sceptic Donald Trump in the United States have made mobilization increasingly difficult.
“The repression does make it more difficult to mobilise, and the external environment has changed,” Carrington noted.
Political Victory and Political Distance
While Just Stop Oil celebrated the Labour government’s decision to freeze new oil and gas projects as a significant victory, the political relationship remains fraught. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has openly criticized the group’s tactics, stating that protesters must face “the full force of the law.” Labour, determined to maintain a centrist image, has sought to distance itself from the organization despite overlapping climate goals.
Still, Just Stop Oil maintains that its mission goes beyond policy wins. It represents a broader movement for environmental justice and an urgent call to action against climate inertia.
What Lies Ahead?
Although their era of disruptive protest has ended, Just Stop Oil’s mission is far from over. The group has hinted at a strategic pivot, emphasizing efforts to support political prisoners, challenge the UK’s increasingly restrictive anti-protest laws, and continue “telling the truth” through the legal system.
“In the background, we are working with other groups to develop a strategy for what comes next,” Carrington revealed, suggesting that while the orange vests might be packed away, the spirit of defiance will live on,
perhaps in new, less confrontational forms.
As Britain grapples with its role in the global climate crisis, the legacy of Just Stop Oil’s direct action is clear: they forced an entire nation to confront the cost of inaction. Their next move may not block traffic or deface masterpieces, but it could be just as transformative.
