Young environmental activists disrupted the Baftas red carpet to demand more attention to the climate crisis, and for celebrities to speak up about it.
About two dozen activists tried to storm the entrance to Red Carpet VIP at the Royal Albert Hall in London just before 4:00 on Sunday. But they were stopped by police and security.
After winning a lottery, four activists were able gain access to the red carpet. They removed their shirts and revealed T-shirts that read Just Stop Oil. They shouted: Just look up, just cease oil. This was a reference to the film Dont Look Up. The film has won four awards. It is satire. Scientists trying to warn of imminent armageddon from a comet in the film were compared to experts who ignored warnings about the climate crises.
Other activists were able stop the entrance to red carpet area. After the activists blocked the road leading into the area, VIPs were forced to enter the event by foot.
This action comes weeks ahead a planned Just Stop Oil campaign. Insiders claim that this campaign has recruited hundreds of young activists to blockade UK oil and gas infrastructure sites. Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion have both stated their support for the campaign.
Protesters claimed that they were targeting the Baftas as a way to encourage celebrities to use their platforms and speak out about climate emergencies.
Claudia, 23, stated that she supports Just Stop Oil because she is terrified for our future. The UK’s former chief scientific advisor warned us last year that our actions in the next three- to four years would determine the future.
Our government knows this and is determined to continue to drag us down this path to suffering and destruction. The mainstream media doesn’t care.
We are asking those who have power and influence use it to do the right thing and use their platform for a demand that the government stop importing oil. Because their lives depend on it, we have to act like it.
Before the action, activists met at Queen Catherines Temple in Kensington Gardens near the Royal Albert Hall to discuss how they would organize it and what tactics they would use.
Protesters discussed details like how to maintain nonviolent discipline, how to tackle floppy arrests or tackles, and how to apply superglue.
