Just Stop Oil’s latest plot to disrupt Londoners has been foiled after counter-protesters mobbed a group of eco-activists at Elephant & Castle.
Pranksters wearing bright orange t-shirts formed a human chain around demonstrators while they sat on the floor.
The t-shirts, which were embroidered with text saying ‘Just Stop P***ing Everyone Off’, bear a striking resemblance to those donned by Just Stop Oil activists.
Counter-protesters soon “dispersed” after Just Stop Oil supporters explained their reasoning for putting pressure on the Government to tackle climate change, the campaign group has claimed.
Counter-protesters formed a ring around seated Just Stop Oil activists
Just Stop Oil/Twitter
Just Stop Oil added: “Supporters of Just Stop Oil were met with a counter-protest while preparing to slow march in Elephant & Castle, but after explaining their reasoning for demanding an end to new oil and gas, the counter-protesters dispersed.”
An activist from the campaign group was heard explaining her decision to protest to counter-demonstrators.
She said: “Yesterday I was arrested for peacefully protesting on the road but I’m back out here today because it is our democratic right to do so.
“We know that disruption is uncomfortable but it is necessary and we meet this circle of people around us - and we do agree about the same things - expect that we have that sense of urgency that when you see that a house is on fire you are not going to ask permission to the people inside to call the fire rescue, you’re just going to do it.”
A Just Stop Oil activist used a megaphone to communicate with counter-protesters
Just Stop Oil/Twitter
Just Stop Oil activists were soon heard bickering with counter-protesters.
“I’d like to see how long you’re prepared to stand there because this is great for us we’re having conversations,” one said.
“What’s your plan? Because when you do leave we’re going to go on the road again.”
However, both groups applauded when she added: “I think it's been so beneficial this morning being able to meet with some of you lovely people and having conversations with you and finding out why we’re here and why you’re here.”
Another Just Stop Oil activist welcomed the counter-protesters
Just Stop Oil/Twitter
The slightly bizarre encounter led some on social media to speculate about whether the whole counter-demonstration was a stunt.
One user simply said: “They dispersed? Strange.”
Another added: “How much did you pay them?”
However, other users were keen to throw their weight behind both campaign groups.
“Shows that the public do not support you,” one person wrote.
The bus driver on Cromwell Road was travelling particularly slowly
Just Stop Oil/Twitter
GB News commentator Narinder Kaur said: “Can you imagine if the suffragettes or civil rights movement or farmers protests were met with ‘Just Stop P*****g’ people off group?
“Women would still be sat at home with no voice or rights.”
Around 20 Just Stop Oil activists were later spotted slowly marching down Cromwell Street in Kensington.
The group accused a bus driver of “ramming” into activists.
The vehicle was travelling at an incredibly slow speed, ushering eco-zealots along with the bus’ bumper.
Just Stop Oil protesters slowly marched down Cromwell Road
Just Stop Oil/Twitter
A user wrote: “He’s not ‘ramming’ into anyone. He’s very patiently moving forwards.
“A lot of the public despise you. What did you think the reaction was going to be?
“You are not achieving what you think you are.”
Another added: “That’s one sacked bus driver right there.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t lose his PSV licence.”