LONDON (Reuters) – Greenpeace activists have taken their protest against the British government’s oil drilling policy to the private home of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The protesters draped the house in black fabric and hung large sheets of it from the roof. The incident occurred in Yorkshire, northern England, where four protesters used ladders to access the roof and spent five hours there, in what former senior police officer Peter Walker described as a “major breach of security”. Sunak, who left for a holiday in California on Wednesday, saw the protesters’ message while a banner read “RISHI SUNAK – OIL PROFITS OR OUR FUTURE?”.
Greenpeace activists argue that Sunak’s record on environmental issues is questionable, as he advocates for a “proportionate approach” to climate change, which placates net zero ambitions while aiming to keep consumers’ bills down. In response, Sunak’s ministers have introduced new laws to combat protest tactics employed by climate activists, such as obstructing busy roads and “locking-on” to buildings or infrastructure.
The protest was also against the proposed development of Equinor’s Rosebank oilfield, subject to a final investment decision. Greenpeace claims that Sunak has sanctioned various new oil and gas extraction licenses, emphasizing the need for “a climate leader, not a climate arsonist”. A separate protest was held outside Sunak’s official Downing Street residence and office on the same day.
While the British government had set a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and had made progress in renewable energy capacity, the focus on energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to new licenses for North Sea oil and gas extraction and the approval of the country’s first new deep coal mine in decades.
A recent poll revealed that 67% of voters believe the government is not handling environmental issues effectively, marking the lowest rating since mid-2019.
Some members of Sunak’s Conservative party have expressed concerns regarding the prime minister’s perceived lack of commitment to environmental goals. However, Sunak defended his environmental record, stating that Britain has done a better job than other major countries in reducing carbon emissions. A source in Sunak’s office also emphasized the government’s approach to ensuring energy security and reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly aggressors like Vladimir Putin.
Five protesters in total were arrested during the incident at Sunak’s home. Greenpeace has confirmed that their actions were carried out with care to avoid endangering anyone inside the building.
(Additional reporting by William James and Farouq Suleiman; Editing by Kate Holton and Giles Elgood)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
