The World Snooker Championship faced disruption as a Just Stop Oil activist poured orange powder paint over a table, suspending the match between Robert Milkins and Joe Perry for 24 hours.
Just Stop Oil opposes new fossil fuel licensing and production in the UK, calling for a halt to future consents and licensing related to fossil fuels. The group advocates for renewable energy investment and improved building insulation.
Operating without formal leadership, Just Stop Oil uses nonviolent direct action and civil resistance to create social disruption, targeting cultural institutions. However, they have faced criticism for methods such as road blocking and vandalism.
Despite arrests and proposed updates to the Public Order Act, the group vows to continue protesting until demands are met, with nearly 2,000 supporters arrested since April 2022.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley noted reduced assertiveness in their protests after arrests of suspected leaders. The group's blue light policy allows emergency vehicle passage through traffic blocks.
