UK PM Rishi Sunak's Home Draped In Black Fabric Amid Criticism Over Oil Policy — WATCH

Greenpeace protesters draped UK PM Rishi Sunak's private home in black fabric in protest of his permitting a major expansion of North Sea oil and gas drilling amidst apparent climate impacts.

Four protesters atop UK PM Rishi Sunak's house in Yorkshire, northern England, covering it in black fabric with a banner reading, "RISHI SUNAK - OIL PROFITS OR OUR FUTURE?" ( Image Source :Twitter/@GreenpeaceUK )

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing flak in the United Kingdom for his government's policy on drilling for oil as its environmental priorities have come under scrutiny. Greenpeace protesters on Thursday stepped up their protest by draping Sunak's private home in black fabric in protest of his permitting a major expansion of North Sea oil and gas drilling amidst apparent climate impacts. Recently, the UK Prime Minister asserted that he would take a "proportionate approach" to climate change to balance net zero ambitions while also focusing on keeping consumers' bills down.

Climate protesters are stepping up campaigns such as disrupting high-profile sporting events, classical music concerts, and political speeches, news agency Reuters reported.

In the latest incident, Greenpeace UK posted visuals showing four protesters atop the house in Yorkshire, northern England, covering it in black fabric with a banner reading, "RISHI SUNAK - OIL PROFITS OR OUR FUTURE?"

NEWS FLASH: The science is clear, for a safe climate there must be NO NEW oil and gas projects. @RishiSunak you can’t be serious about approving more oil and gas?#NoNewOil #StopRosebank #Greenpeace pic.twitter.com/CDdXYaW7DJ

— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) August 3, 2023

As per Reuters' report, around two hours later at 11:00 BST, four protesters were still standing on the roof with a sign saying "NO NEW OIL."

Greenpeace stated that its members are protesting the UK government approving new North Sea oil and gas licences as well as the proposed development of Equinor's (EQNR.OL) Rosebank oilfield, which remains subject to a final investment decision.

"We desperately need our prime minister to be a climate leader, not a climate arsonist," Greenpeace UK said, as quoted by Reuters.

As per the report, the police said that they had contained the area adding that no one has entered the building.

Another protest took place outside the British Prime Minister's official Downing Street residence and office on Thursday.

UK Looks To Become More Energy Independent

In response to the protests, the UK ministers have introduced new legislation to counter "eco-mob" protester tactics including slow walking on busy roads and "locking-on" to buildings or infrastructure, Reuters reported.

In 2019, Britain set a 2050 net zero carbon emission target and quickly enhanced its renewable energy capacity.

However, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted an energy crisis, the UK government on Monday committed to granting hundreds of licences for North Sea oil and gas extraction in a bid to become more energy independent.

The Sunak-led government had also approved its first new deep coal mine in decades in December.

Besides the Greenpeace protesters, Sunak is facing opposition in his own Conservative party as some members are alarmed over what is being seen as a backsliding over environmental commitments. One minister, who quit in June, said that the British Prime Minister was uninterested in green issues, as per the report.

Meanwhile, Sunak defended his government's environmental record on Wednesday emphasising that Britain had done a better job than other major countries in cutting carbon emissions.