Activist Leading Just Stop Oil group claims: In Britain, we express our opinions boldly, even if it lands us in prison
In a thought-provoking article published as part of GQ's 'What's so Great about Britain?' special issue, the spotlight shines on Roger Hallum, an environmental campaigner and co-founder of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.
Hallum, who identifies as a truth-teller, found himself at the centre of controversy when he was sentenced to five years in prison for a 20-minute Zoom talk advocating for peaceful civil disobedience related to carbon emissions reduction. However, the sky has not yet fallen in, according to the statement in the article.
Currently serving a reduced four-year sentence for "conspiracy to cause a public nuisance", Hallum's actions and beliefs are considered a "British thing". His sentencing is noted as the longest ever given for nonviolent action in Britain.
The article illustrates Hallum's determination to help communities organise and run their own candidates in elections to replace those who tell them to "keep calm and carry on". He believes Britain is able to accept the reality of the current state of affairs created by elites and their corporate friends.
Britain, described as a conservative country, is cited as a nation that rises up every century or so to give the ruling class a good reprimand. The war is used as an example of Britain's ability to accept reality, band together, and get on with things.
The political party criticised by Hallum in this article is the SPD. The article was not edited in a way that would prevent the publication of the information about Hallum's actions and sentence.
The article was beautifully illustrated by Hannah Robinson. Notably, Hallum was released from jail on licence before GQ went to press. He assures that he does not intend to resort to violence upon his release.
The British Institute and Faculty of Actuaries predict that 4 billion people might die from malnutrition and other bad effects at 3 degrees Celsius of warming, which is expected around when Britain's teenagers turn 40. This grim prediction underscores the urgency of Hallum's campaign.
Despite the controversy, the article underscores Britain's history of allowing people to express their thoughts freely, even if it displeases the rulers. Hallum's story serves as a reminder of Britain's resilience and the power of peaceful civil disobedience in challenging the status quo.
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