Just Stop Oil spokesman Eddie Whittingham came under intense scrutiny from GB News’ Pip Tomson and Mark Longhurst over the group’s latest show of eco-zealotry.
It comes after five protestors from the group were arrested after a performance of Les Miserables in London’s West End was halted.
A video shared by the group showed its members storming the stage before calling on the audience to “join the rebellion”.
Speaking on GB News, Whittingham was grilled by Tomson over the apparent London-centric nature of Just Stop Oil’s actions.
Pip Tomson questioned Just Stop Oil's Eddie Whittingham
GB NEWS
Mark Longhurst waded in on the discussion, suggesting that the group’s actions could be regarded as “class-driven”, given where they are predominantly focused.
“Why do most of your protests always seem to be in the city (London)?”, asked Tomson.
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“Is it because you all refuse to drive a car to go to your protests?”, she added.
Whittingham responded: “The protests take place at sites where there will be considerable public conversation”, he responded.
The GB News presenter interjected by asking: “So there is only public conversation in London, not other parts of the country? You did Wimbledon, you did the cricket at Lord’s, and now you’re doing a theatre in London.”
Longhurst added: “Is it class driven to that extent?”
Eddie Whittingham sought to justify the group's actions which have drawn criticism
GB NEWS
Whittingham, who sparked chaos earlier in the year at the World Snooker Championships by tossing orange powder over one of the tables, claimed the pair were “completely misrepresenting” the group’s actions.
“We correctly predicted it would achieve significant publicity, which it has”, he said.
“That’s why we did it.”
Asked what the group will be looking to carry out next, Whittingham admitted that he is not privy to the group’s future actions.
Just Stop Oil halted the performance
PA / JUST STOP OIL
“I’m not an organiser”, he said.
“What I can say is we will do what ever it non-violently takes to get the Government to end all new fossil fuel licences in the UK.
“If we carry on the way we are, we do not have a liveable future. Millions, if not billions of people are going to die.
“I am worried I won’t have food to eat, I’m not confident I will live a full life if we carry on the way we are going.”
The police have commented on the incident in question, criticising the activists for “ruining” the nights of those in the audience, while calling on the public to provide additional information.
Detective Inspector Chris Rudd of the Met’s Public Order Command said: “Many of those in the audience will have travelled significant distances, having purchased tickets months in advance, and it is unacceptable that demonstrators have targeted a specific group of people in order to ruin what should have been a special night out.
“We are aware of footage circulating on social media, but ask anyone with additional footage to get in touch as this will help us bring those responsible to account.”
William Village, chief executive of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres – which owns the Sondheim, said: “During the first half of our performance of Les Miserables, individuals from Just Stop Oil invaded the stage, abruptly stopping the show.
“Following our safety protocols, the audience were asked to leave the auditorium and the Met Police attended.
“Regrettably, there was insufficient time to enable us to complete the rest of the performance.
“Whilst we recognise the importance of free expression, we must also respect our audience’s right to enjoy the event for which they have paid.”
On Thursday, the Les Miserables company announced a booking extension from March 2 to September 28 2024.