Just Stop Oil spray England’s top universities orange

Just Stop Oil have taken their climate activism to several UK universities following calls for higher education institutions to cut ties with oil and gas firms.

On the morning of October 12, Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed the universities of Leeds, Manchester, and Cambridge​. They did the same earlier that week at other universities including Exeter and Oxford.

The activist group called for universities to stop taking funding from oil and gas firms, also demanding that the government stop new oil and gas projects in the UK.

It stems from the recent announcement that the UK government will approve “at least 100” oil and gas licences in the North Sea. This includes allowing the drilling of Rosebank oil field: the largest untapped oil and gas deposit in the UK​.

Just Stop Oil described the government’s approach as “genocidal”, suggesting there could be hundreds of millions of climate refugees if climate change continues at its current rate​. They also believe that “new oil and gas is a death sentence”.

While we respect the right to peaceful protest, within the law, we cannot tolerate vandalism and disruption affecting staff, students and visitors

University of Manchester Spokesperson

The group’s actions have proved contentious. Amidst several arrests of their activists, Just Stop Oil have received heavy criticism in recent weeks.

After King’s College, Cambridge was sprayed orange by a protestor, a spokesperson for the college said: “The college is concerned about climate change and respects the right to freedom of speech and non-violent protest, but draws the line at criminal damage.”

Just Stop Oil have justified their decision to target universities, arguing that UK universities are complicit in the climate crisis. The group made reference to a recent report showed that UK universities have taken £40m in fossil fuel funding since 2022.

Ruby Hamill, who was arrested for spray painting the Allen Gilbert Building at the University of Manchester, called on students to “call out the hypocrisy of Manchester Uni”. She added: “Taking money from oil and gas firms means being complicit in their greenwashing”.​

In response to the events, a University of Manchester Spokesperson said they “recognise the importance of tackling the climate crisis” and have committed to zero carbon in their operations by 2038​.

They also said: “While we respect the right to peaceful protest, within the law, we cannot tolerate vandalism and disruption affecting staff, students and visitors.”