Just Stop Oil (JSO), the environmental activist group, has raised almost £150,000 to fund upcoming protests aimed at disrupting airport operations, following a controversial action at Stonehenge last week. This financial boost has been achieved through crowd-funding efforts, despite significant public and political backlash.
The surge in donations came after JSO members sprayed the ancient Stonehenge monument with orange powder paint, an act that received widespread condemnation. Additionally, the group attempted to target Taylor Swift’s private plane during her performance in London, further inflaming public sentiment and drawing criticism from her fans.
According to sources within JSO, the funds will support a series of planned actions targeting airports, potentially causing significant disruptions to air travel and affecting numerous family holidays. The group has openly stated on its fundraising page that it aims to escalate its campaign this summer with a focus on airport protests.
Despite the controversial nature of their tactics, Just Stop Oil has seen a flood of financial support from around the globe. Their high-profile stunts have boosted their coffers to nearly £150,000, primarily through donations collected via crowd-funding websites like chuffed.org.
This influx of cash has prompted calls from government officials to take action against online platforms that facilitate fundraising for activities considered illegal. Conservative MP Nigel Mills voiced his concerns, labeling the ability of Just Stop Oil to raise funds online for such activities as “a complete disgrace.” He called for measures to be taken against platforms that allow the group to collect money for what he described as “criminal activity.”
The government is being urged to scrutinize these fundraising platforms and address their role in supporting campaigns that seek to disrupt public order and infrastructure. This comes as Just Stop Oil continues to draw attention with its direct action approach, known for previous disruptions including blocking roads, defacing artworks, and interfering with theatre shows and sporting events.
A recent protest by the group at Stansted Airport, where activists sprayed two private jets with orange paint, was described by JSO as “only a prelude” to more extensive actions planned for the summer. The group’s stated goal is to pressure the government into implementing more aggressive measures against climate change and the use of fossil fuels.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between environmental activism and the need for public order, raising questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law. As Just Stop Oil prepares for a “sustained period of action,” the potential impact on air travel and the broader public remains a significant concern.
