Greenpeace protesters draped the private home of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in black fabric yesterday, stepping up their campaign against his government’s policy on drilling for oil.
Sunak’s record on environmental issues has come under scrutiny in recent months after he said he would take a “proportionate approach” to climate change that balances net zero ambitions with the need to keep consumers’ bills down.
That has drawn fury from climate protesters who have stepped up their campaigns, disrupting high-profile sporting events, classical music concerts and political speeches.
In response, Sunak’s ministers have introduced new laws to clamp down on “ eco-mob
“protester tactics including slow walking on busy roads and “locking-on” to buildings or infrastructure.
Pictures posted online by Greenpeace UK yesterday showed protesters atop the property in Yorkshire, northern England, covering it in swathes of black fabric. Greenpeace said they were protesting the government’s backing for new North Sea oil and gas licences and a proposed development of Equinor’s Rosebank oilfield, which is subject to a final investment decision.
“We desperately need our prime minister to be a climate leader, not a climate arsonist,” Greenpeace UK said.
Sunak went on holiday to California on Wednesday. Police said they had contained the area and no one has entered the building.
A separate protest also took place outside Sunak’s official Downing Street residence and office yesterday.