A concert held by the BBC at the Royal Albert Hall in London was disrupted on Friday evening by environmental activists protesting the broadcaster’s coverage of climate change. The activists, belonging to the group Just Stop Oil, stormed the stage carrying banners, air horns, and confetti, prompting boos and chants of “Off, off, off!” from the audience. The protesters were swiftly removed from the stage and ejected from the event.
Just Stop Oil accused the BBC of providing insufficient coverage of the climate emergency and of promoting government and oil company propaganda. In response to the protest, UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer referred to the activists as “eco zealots” and urged them to stop damaging their own cause.
The two demonstrators who disrupted the concert were identified as Pia Bastide and Kate Logan, both from London. Bastide, in a written statement, emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, especially during the current extreme temperatures gripping Europe.
Just Stop Oil, a climate group, has been actively campaigning for the British government to cease licensing oil, gas, and coal projects. In recent weeks, they have disrupted several events to draw attention to their cause. After their intervention at the Proms concert, activists also interrupted a live broadcast of the comedy show ‘The Last Leg’ by distributing orange vests to the show’s stars before being removed from the venue.
Earlier this month, Just Stop Oil protesters caused disruptions at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, with several activists invading the court, and one even defiantly sitting on the ground until forcibly removed.
The Proms, a series of classical music concerts held annually in London since 1895, began on July 14 and will continue until September 9 this year. Friday’s disruption occurred during a sold-out show, where 6,000 people had gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the opening night.
The incident at the concert has garnered significant attention online, with footage of the protest circulating widely. The disruption serves as a reminder of the growing public concern surrounding climate change and the urgent need for action to address the environmental crisis.
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