Just Stop Oil Ends Civil Disobedience Campaign Amid Crackdown

Just Stop Oil (JSO), a prominent UK climate activist group known for its disruptive protests against new oil and gas licenses, has announced the end of its direct action campaign, citing both the achievement of its primary demand and the impact of stricter policing laws that have made such activism difficult. While JSO publicly claims victory, members privately acknowledge that new legal powers against disruptive protest played a significant role in the group's decision to disband. The end of JSO is met with mixed reactions: supporters celebrate their achievements, while critics, including disrupted motorists and police, welcome the cessation of disruptive actions that cost authorities millions. Analysts argue that JSO's emotionally charged tactics succeeded in thrusting the climate crisis into public debate, provoking strong reactions from both supporters and detractors. Their approach sparked antagonism and dissent, which some scholars believe are crucial for driving social and political change on urgent issues like climate change. The group's dissolution raises questions about the future of disruptive climate activism in the UK and whether such movements will re-emerge in new forms.