An eco-activist was slapped down by a flippant Jacob Rees-Mogg during a tense interview live on GB News.
Dr Kush Naker from Just Stop Oil spoke on the People’s Channel in an attempt to justify his group’s actions during the opening day of the second test of The Ashes at Lord’s, where an individual halted the action by storming the pitch.
After an intense grilling from the Conservative MP, Naker opted to shift the focus of the conversation onto Rees-Mogg’s own interests, accusing him of having financial investment in oil and gas.
He asked the GB News presenter: “Jacob, how much money do you have invested in oil and gas?”
In a swift response, Rees-Mogg said: “Me? I don’t have any money invested in oil and gas. Your cheap tricks are just wrong. That was almost as silly as your protest at Lord’s.”
The eco-warrior went on to accuse the GB News presenter of taking dividends from Russian oil and gas companies, which Rees-Mogg said was a “lie”.
Continuing his bizarre accusations, he added: “It was widely reported that Somerset Capital has money in Russian gas companies, that you took £600,000 in dividends from.”
Rees-Mogg was quick to slap down the claim, saying: “Just because things are reported doesn’t make them true. Somerset Capital does not invest its own money. It has clients.
England captain Ben Stokes seen with a Just Stop Oil protestor Reuters“I don’t have any money in Russian oil or gas, that was a lie, very nice to have you, continue your foolish protests, you make the argument for net zero worse.
“Your fanatics do so much damage to a case that has some logic behind it in some other areas.”
The crestfallen eco-fanatic could only respond by holding up a sign, reading: “New oil + gas = genocide”.
The Just Stop Oil activist was carried off the pitch by England cricketer Jonny Bairstow after his stunt to rapturous applause.
Bairstow’s swift action resulted in praise from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who lauded his “swift hands”.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and public nuisance and taken into custody after Wednesday’s pitch invasion, the Metropolitan Police announced.
Daily protests have been staged by the climate change group since April 24, with high-profile events like the Chelsea Flower Show, the Gallagher Premiership rugby final at Twickenham and the World Snooker Championship among the events affected.
Sunak’s official spokesman said: “These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the Government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action.
“The Prime Minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in.”
Just Stop Oil is demanding an end to all new coal, oil and gas projects in the UK.
A spokesperson said: “Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in?
“We can no longer afford to distract ourselves when the sports we play, the food we eat and the culture we cherish is at risk.
“It’s time for cricket lovers and all those who understand the severity of this situation to get on to the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal Government.
“When our children ask us, ‘What did we do?’ to avert this crisis, we better have a good answer.”
