Activist Group Just Stop Oil Shifts Focus After Successful Campaign

Just Stop Oil, the British environmental group noted for its provocative protests, has declared an end to their high-profile demonstrations in museums after claiming success in their mission to halt new oil and gas developments in the UK.

The group made headlines for various impactful protests, including throwing soup at iconic artworks and disrupting major landmarks. They announced that after one last demonstration in London, they would discontinue their museum-focused actions. On March 28, 2025, spokesperson James Skeet shared that the activism had fulfilled its primary goal, prompting the organization to rethink future strategies.

Just Stop Oil's notoriety began in 2022 with shocking acts like splattering tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's “Sunflowers” and gluing themselves to famous paintings. Their protests were designed to emphasize the urgency of climate action, spotlighting the political and social reforms considered necessary to combat climate change. The group insists their actions, which were careful to avoid damaging the art, were a means of engaging the public and prompting dialogue about environmental issues, despite facing criticism over potential harm to the artworks' frames.

As Just Stop Oil prepares to pivot towards a new phase of activism, they aim to explore different methods to continue raising awareness about the climate crisis and advocating for systemic change in energy policies. The group’s transition marks a significant moment in their ongoing commitment to climate justice and reform related to fossil fuel industries.