Essex County Council today passed a motion condemning the counterproductive protests of ‘Just Stop Oil.’
Over recent months thousands of Essex Residents and workers have had their lives disrupted by the illegal protests of ‘Just Stop Oil’ on the motorway. The selfish actions of this group have done nothing to further their cause, instead they have wasted public and police time.
The motion which was put forward by the Conservative Group noted that the irresponsible protests are in stark contrast to the constructive work being undertaken both nationally and locally to tackle climate change. Indeed, the United Kingdom have played a leading role on the international stage in working towards net zero and encouraging other nations to follow suit - an approach which Conservative led Essex County Council wholeheartedly supports!
Through the motion Essex County Council called on the Protest Group to stop their illegal protests and implored them to focus on working constructively with all levels of government to reach net zero.
The County Council’s Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier, who proposed the motion criticised the tactics of protesters. In his speech he stated, “rather than shouting from the side lines this Conservative led council has been leading from the front on environmental matters”. He went on to say that “instead of disrupting the lives of hardworking ordinary people protest groups like ‘Just Stop Oil should work positively and collaboratively with government and local authorities to achieve their aims.”
Cllr Schwier went on to outline Essex County Council’s trailblazing approach to tackling net zero with their ambitious £200 million Climate Action Plan which has seen Essex recognised as one of only 122 locations across the globe taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency, despite the significant economic pressures the council is facing as a result of the international economic crisis caused by Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
Cllr Holly Whitbread, who is an Essex Climate Commissioner, seconded the motion. She recognised the robust approach by Essex Police in cracking down on the protestor. She said, “The actions of these protestors are extremely short-sighted. Instead of making the positive pro-environmental case, their actions are rightfully causing public anger. It is awful to see roads blocked preventing people getting from work during this difficult economic time. I would like to thank Essex Police for the steps they have taken to remove those acting illegally as quickly as possible and minimise disruption.”
Notes
The latest Essex Climate Report for 2021/22 can be read here: https://assets.ctfassets.net/knkzaf64jx5x/66iYahk4XL00IcZCVr4onW/8fbcfe22c41be72255259037e96128a8/Essex_Climate_Action_report_2021-22.pdf
Pictured - Cllr Kevin Bentley and Cllr Peter Schwier and Essex MP, John Whittingdale, with a copy of the Essex Climate Report for 2021/22.
