Just Stop Oil threatens Pride parade disruption if demands are not met
United Airlines is Prides headline sponsor this year but the decision has faced backlash from environmentalists Just Stop Oil has threatened to disrupt Londons Pride march if the parade does not stop accepting sponsorship money from high-polluting industries (PA) Climate campaigners Just Stop Oil have threatened to disrupt Londons Pride parade due to the involvement of the events sponsor United Airlines. In a statement, LGBT+ members of the group also called on organisers to ban floats from those organisations in the parade and condemn new oil, gas and coal. In a letter written to a representative of Prides Board of Directors, JSO issued a series of demands ahead of any potential protest. They called for clarity on where Pride sources its money from, a statement from the body to demand an end to new oil and gas, and for it to set up a meeting about joining in civil resistance to new oil and gas. Just Stop Oil called the climate crisis the biggest threat to LGBT+ rights and had urged Pride to respond to their demands by 4pm last Thursday. They said: Beyond this time or not meeting these demands will mean we may or may not take action at this weekends events. The letter also demanded Pride consider what ethical considerations are taken when deciding who to accept money from. In a statement made on Twitter after Prides 5pm deadline, Just Stop Oil confirmed that they had been in negotiations with Pride, demanding it returns to its protest roots by empowering queer people to stand in civil resistance against their genocidal government. The group has said it may disrupt the Pride event Just Stop Oil later tweeted: If you know the people that Pride is supposed to be about are marginalised, you should understand the climate crisis impacts marginalised people disproportionately and feel disgusted that Pride celebrations are being used to pinkwash the same polluters causing the crisis. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial It comes as the Mayor of London was accused of rainbow-washing by Green London Assembly Member Zack Polanski, after failing to criticise Prides decision to make United Airlines their headline sponsor. Polanski said: Last year, the Mayor agreed with me that Pride should be fossil free. Those who want to take part in Pride need to show leadership on climate. It comes after Jonny Bairstow of England removed a Just Stop Oil pitch invader during Day One of the Ashes 2nd Test earlier this week The 51st Pride event in London is set to begin at 12pm, beginning at Park Lane and ending at Whitehall. Take a look at this years full route here . Around 1.5 million people are expected to take part in this years London Pride, with organisers saying its set to be bigger and better than before. Just Stop Oil activists will gather at Parliament Square at 12pm today. Three Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested over a pitch invasion at the Ashes on Thursday, with English cricket player Jonny Bairstow physically removing one of the protesters after spreading orange powder across the pitch. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies The group has said it may disrupt the Pride event PA Wire It comes after Jonny Bairstow of England removed a Just Stop Oil pitch invader during Day One of the Ashes 2nd Test earlier this week Getty Images Just Stop Oil has threatened to disrupt Londons Pride march if the parade does not stop accepting sponsorship money from high-polluting industries (PA) PA Archive Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}