On 19^th October, 2023, members of Just Stop Oil faced arrests during a demonstration in Portland, Dorset. The central question is whether these protesters should be held responsible for the perceived decline in tourism revenue. While No To The Barge (NTTB) as a campaign group reported zero arrests during their many protests against the asylum seeker housing facility, Just Stop Oil faced three arrests.

Notably, the climate group has expressed violent views, including statements like “I would simply blow up a pipeline” in response to their unmet and quite unrealistic demands regarding oil, gas, and coal, leading to the arrest of over 60 activists on suspicion of public order offences in Parliament Square in the same month.

The emphasis by Portland Port CEO Bill Reeves in July 2023, as discussed in the previous article titled “Unravelling the £400,000 Portland Cruise Cancellation Mystery: A Deep Dive into Protest Impact,” suggests that attributing economic setbacks, whether genuine or exaggerated, solely to protesters should be reconsidered. Peaceful protests constitute a fundamental right, and accountability should be rooted in addressing illegal activities rather than scrutinising the act of peaceful expression. The right to protest, even if disruptive, is a cornerstone of our democratic society.

Dorset Police’s satisfaction with the conduct of NTTB protesters and their commendation for the organisers present a positive perspective on the matter. Instead of fixating on assigning blame, it is crucial to recognise the significance of citizens’ voices and law enforcement’s duty to maintain order while respecting these rights.

The arrest of Ellie Litten during the October protest, where she, a member of Just Stop Oil, glued her hand to a Dorset Police car as a form of destructive protest against perceived injustices, highlights the intricate nature of such situations. Following her conviction and conditional discharge, questions arise regarding the delicate balance between expressing dissent and the repercussions of such criminal expressions. The total costs of repairing the police car amounted to over £800, encompassing expenses for repairing the bonnet and re-painting the emblem. Litten, with three previous convictions for similar criminal offences related to protests, was subsequently ordered to pay £864.32 in compensation to Dorset Police.

Rather than solely focusing on assigning blame, it is imperative to recognise the diverse perspectives within our community. Upholding the right to peaceful protest is paramount, and accountability should be linked to unlawful activities. The solution does not lie in suppressing dissent but in fostering dialogue and understanding to promote a more harmonious coexistence. Litten’s conditional discharge implies that any offence committed within the next 12 months could lead to charges not only for the October incident but also for any new offence during that period.

We reached out to Kate Robson, Susan Phoenix, Stephen Cobb, Teresa Churchill, and Patricia Rider for comment, as they constitute the remaining leadership of the No To The Barge campaign group. Additionally, we contacted Heather Joans, the most active member of SUTRD, and several other local groups. However, as of the initial publication, none of them have replied to our inquiries.