Just Stop Oil Ends Museum Protests, Claims Victory in Climate Action

Just Stop Oil, a prominent climate activist group, has declared it will cease its eye-catching actions in museums, following what it terms a successful campaign against new fossil fuel licenses in the UK. The announcement marks a pivotal shift in tactics for the organization, which gained notoriety for its high-profile demonstrations, including throwing soup at iconic paintings and other similarly provocative actions.

On March 28, 2025, spokesman James Skeet confirmed that the group achieved its main objective, and they are now planning the next phase of their activism. The organization became a household name in 2022 when its members targeted renowned masterpieces as part of a strategy to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis. Their methods, which included splashing soup on Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and gluing themselves to famous artworks, were defended by the group on the grounds that they posed no risk to the paintings themselves, as they were housed behind protective glass.

However, detractors have voiced concerns regarding potential damage to the frames and the appropriateness of targeting cultural heritage in the name of advocacy. Just Stop Oil's decision to pivot indicates a desire to evolve their approach as they regroup and strategize their next actions in the climate movement. The group has announced that a final protest will take place in London next month, marking the end of this particularly theatrical phase of activism, as they prepare to explore new avenues for environmental advocacy.