Just Stop Oil marches on Cambridge road in protest at ‘dismal’ COP28
A two-hour Just Stop Oil protest march was held around Cambridge’s ring road today (December 18) in response to “the dismal failure of COP28”.
Just Stop Oil is a non-violent civil resistance group demanding the UK government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.
The group’s march – which was not interrupted by police – came after the annual international conference, which this year was held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The climate summit ended after 14 days with an agreement which recognised for the first time the need to “transition away” from fossil fuels - wording that was hailed by some as “historical” but decried by others as a “death certificate”.
Today’s march involved 14 people progressing from Hot Numbers cafe on Trumpington Street at 10am. Slowly making their way, they faced what marcher Sue Buckingham called “some pretty aggressive drivers getting quite angry, even though we were only taking up half the road, but otherwise support from pedestrians, cyclists and some other drivers”. She added that marchers came from Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds as well as Cambridge.
John Rymell, 63, an IT worker and father of three, said: “I marched in the road today because I fear for the future if we don’t take action to stop climate change turning into climate catastrophe.
“Politicians from all sides have a duty to act before it’s too late. We have the means to reduce our emissions and a limited window of time to do it in.”
Zoe Flint 68, a retired scientist and teacher, who has previously marched in London, said: “I was heartened by the number of positive responses that we had today. Many motorists smiled and waved when they overtook us after being held up. Someone on the pavement shouted a cheery ‘thank you’. I believe that many ordinary people do understand why we are marching.”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said: “We were aware of a protest taking place in Cambridge today.
“We received one call from a member of the public about the group walking slowly down a road.
“When we are made aware of protests they are assessed on a case by case basis as to the level of threat, risk and harm they pose. A decision is then made as to whether our resource is better used on other policing priorities.”
The protest concluded at midday.