Just Stop Oil to hold 'go slow' march through Ipswich tomorrow
Protestors will meet at Christchurch Mansion before marching through the town centre
Last updated 17th Mar 2023
Supporters of environmental group Just Stop Oil are planning a 'go slow' march through Ipswich tomorrow (March 18).
It's the first such protest in Suffolk and will see campaigners deliberately slowing down traffic as they march from Christchurch Mansion to the town centre from around 10am.
A similar march was held in Norwich in February, with activists calling for the government to adandon the use of fossil fuels in the UK.
Pippa, a retired GP who will be attending the march, said:
“I am marching with JSO today because I’m afraid for my kids’ future. I’m so angry with this government for ignoring science, and putting profit before people and my family.
"The clock is ticking and we’re so close to unrecoverable tipping points for our planet.
People in this country are in fuel poverty, and despite having solutions for cheaper, clean energy there is little movement towards a renewables revolution.
"The government continues to subsidise the fossil fuel industry by £11 billion a year, and have failed to meaningfully tax their recent outrageous profits.
"All the while people are dying across the world from the effects of climate change. It’s criminal!”
In response to the march, Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said: "Ipswich residents shouldn’t have to tolerate the kind of major disruption and inconvenience slow marches invariably cause."
"Police should take quick and decisive action. The time for indulging these eco extremists is over."
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “We are aware of a planned ‘go slow’ demonstration by ‘Just Stop Oil’ in Ipswich taking place tomorrow (18 March)."
"We’re making appropriate operational arrangements to facilitate a peaceful protest whilst minimising any potential disruption to the public.
“The right to peaceful protest is key part of any democracy while balancing it with the rights of others and keeping the public safe.
"If criminal offences are identified, we will take appropriate action."