- Gatwick Airport resumed operations after anti-oil protests caused a brief disruption.
- Several protesters from the Just Stop Oil movement were arrested.
Gatwick Airport quickly resumed normal operations after a brief disruption caused by anti-oil protesters on Monday morning.
Anti-oil protesters arrested at Gatwick Airport
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At around 08:00 BST (09:00 SAST), seven activists entered the airport’s southern terminal, using suitcases with lock-on devices to block a departure gate.
According to a statement from Gatwick Airport, security teams and Sussex Police responded swiftly, arresting the protesters and removing them from the airport premises.
“There were a small number of protesters at the airport this morning, who have been arrested and are being removed from the airport. London Gatwick is operating as normal. Thank you to the security teams and Sussex Police for responding so quickly,” a Gatwick Airport spokesperson said.
Videos posted by Just Stop Oil showed travellers stepping over the activists, whose hands were inside lock-on devices. The protest caused a minor delay, but the airport resumed normal operations by 09:15 BST (10:15 SAST).
After their arrest, the protesters are likely to face criminal charges.
The severity of these charges can vary based on the nature of the disruption and any previous offences by the individuals involved.
Typically, charges for such acts of civil disobedience could range from public nuisance to trespassing and obstruction of public ways, potentially leading to fines or short-term imprisonment.
Just Stop Oil: Who is the face behind this activist group?
Just Stop Oil is an environmental activist group advocating for the immediate cessation of oil and gas extraction in the UK.
The movement is part of a broader international effort to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
It is known for organising high-profile protests and acts of civil disobedience to draw attention to the urgency of climate action.
The movement’s recent protest at Gatwick Airport is part of the international campaign “Oil Kills,” which aims to highlight the environmental and societal impacts of the fossil fuel industry.
According to Just Stop Oil, 21 groups across 12 countries have participated in demonstrations at 17 airports as part of this campaign.
In a statement, Just Stop Oil said:
“As long as political leaders fail to take swift and decisive action to protect our communities from the worst effects of climate breakdown, Just Stop Oil supporters, working with other groups internationally, will take the proportionate action necessary to generate much-needed political pressure. This summer, areas of key importance to the fossil fuel economy will be declared sites of civil resistance around the world.”
The group has garnered attention for its dramatic and often disruptive tactics, which aim to force policymakers to prioritise climate action.
Just Stop Oil is supported by various environmental organisations and activists who believe that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change.