Around 30 Just Stop Oil protestors slow-marched through the city centre on Saturday in the first of what are expected to be regular Exeter protests against UK fossil fuel exploration, development and production.
The climate activist group is calling for the UK government to stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects in the British Isles.
Since its foundation in February last year it has gained significant media coverage of protests that have included blockading oil terminals, disrupting sporting and cultural events and obstructing traffic by walking slowly in the highway.
University of Exeter student Eddie Whittingham notably interrupted the World Snooker Championship in April by climbing onto a snooker table and throwing orange powder into the air, then disrupted his own graduation ceremony last month in similar style.
Just Stop Oil Exeter protest march in Sidwell Street. Photo: Josiah Martin.
Saturday’s slow march took an hour to progress from Sidwell Street to Northernhay Gardens, following the group’s policy of making way for public transport, emergency service vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Devon & Cornwall Police issued a section 12 notice under the new Public Order Act before the march reached the High Street, compelling the protesters to continue on the pavement through Princesshay shopping centre and along Queen Street.
Just Stop Oil Exeter banner. Photo: Josiah Martin.
Just Stop Oil Exeter is hosting a talk about its actions at 6.30pm on Monday 21 August at Exeter Phoenix.
