The Guardian has published an opinion piece by Just Stop Oil (JSO) co-founder Sarah Lunnon. Here we see JSO’s vision of the world to come, with its activists in charge (naturally). Predicated on the impending “terror” of climate change, she makes it clear the organisation is giving up on Labour, and indeed the whole ‘system’. It’s a moot point whether any further publicity should be given to this outfit, but on the other hand it’s worth being forewarned. Here’s some of the rant:
At the end of last year, we wrote to all Labour MPs asking that they commit to resigning if, six months after gaining power, their leadership continued to implement Tory oil and gas projects. Making this commitment would have demonstrated a recognition of our current life-and-death predicament. It would have demonstrated that they understand the need for a response based on morality, a need to do what is right, a need to protect our homes and lives. None had the guts to respond.
If the Labour party in opposition, with a massive lead in the polls, cannot stand up to the Daily Mail, the finance sector and the Tufton Street thinktanks, how is it going to pursue a radical programme to protect us from the coming storm? We are witnessing cowardice on a national scale from the politicians who are likely to form the next Government. How can we not escalate?
That’s why we are asking Labour MPs at their offices, in their constituencies and at their homes to find their courage – and end the Tory oil and gas policies that are wrecking stable society. Ordinary people will demand of them that they recognise what is needed to defend us. We all have a right to feel safe in our homes, but with the storms, the flood waters and the fires we are not safe. When we’re choosing between heating and eating we’re not safe. When there’s one loaf between 10 shoppers we’re not safe.
People need to be protected from the coming terror; that is why we are asking Labour to deliver what is needed. No change is not an option. Either the state rapidly mobilises or we face spending our lives scrabbling in the flotsam and jetsam of an unknown planet, with every unprecedented extreme weather event or ‘natural’ disaster merely the warm-up act for what comes next. Reform – working for small or large policy changes in the hope that the right thing will eventually be done – hasn’t worked.
And here comes the magic solution to the “terror”:
In the coming General Election, Just Stop Oil will either stand candidates or support independents who sign up to a radical short manifesto. A manifesto that centres on deliberative democracy for a new People’s House. This will be a standing citizens’ assembly tasked with finding a response to the coming extinction event and the cost of living crisis. It will be the fruit of leafleting, door knocking, public meetings – and a faith in the British public that party politicians have long abandoned.
The current political system has failed us, so we need to replace it. The carbon parties are not going to save us. They’re only going to take money from us, and give it to big corporations. Labour is flip-flopping over Gaza – and will do the same on protecting this country and its people.
Of course, the reference to Gaza is predictable enough as is the epic naïveté. Normally at this point on a page on this site we add worth reading in full. That may not be the case this time but in the interests of covering all points of view, you have the option.
Stop Press: Labour MP and former Shadow Minister Stella Creasy has criticised the opinion piece for “calling for Labour MPs to be targeted in their homes”.
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