Climate action group, Fossil Free London, have revealed why they disrupted a high-profile Republican dinner held to celebrate President Trump’s second UK state visit.
Videos of the intrusion at the Republican Overseas event in Windsor — in which activists chanted “If we drill baby drill, how many will we kill” and unfurled a banner reading “Oily money kills” — have amassed more than four million views across TikTok and Instagram.
Speaking after the event, which took place last Tuesday, Fossil Free London director, Robin Wells, described how the group infiltrated the dinner.
Wells said the climate campaigners went smartly dressed to sneak into the dinner, and tried really hard not to speak to people at the champagne reception to avoid detection.
She added: “We realised that – unlike we expected – we would probably have a chance to really say something quite substantial, because there wasn’t much security at the event.
“So I decided to clink my glass, and propose a toast, and I spoke about the billions of lives which would be lost due to climate crisis — and the horrors of Trump’s politics.”
Within moments, the protest turned chaotic as security forcibly removed the group from the room.
Videos posted online show Wells denouncing Trump as a “madman” warning the crowd that his presidency would lead to “fascism and climate collapse.”
Wells explained: “When we said ‘We support Trump because he’ll ensure billions die in the next few decades due to climate collapse’ – people cheered and nodded and said “Thank God’ — that was interesting…I mean, terrifying!
“Trump is ripping up climate legislation, welcoming oil barons into the White house, and cozying up to billionaire mates who emit more in 90-minutes than the average person does in a lifetime.”
Republican Overseas chairman and event host Greg Swenson explained the protest caught the room by surprise.
He said: “She didn’t look like a protestor, she blended right in! It was kind of funny, actually, in retrospect.”
“It disrupted the dinner for all of 60 seconds. It was just real entertainment to tell you the truth.
“I was saying ‘Just Stop Oil’ throughout the evening – you know, just for laughs!
“There’s climate change, and we have to address it. I’m cool with that, but, but not when you have the kind of fringe loonies, you know, blocking traffic and throwing paint on paintings.
“Her speech was full on, nutty, alarmism talk and a testament to how the progressive left-wing have lost the plot.”
Wells clarified she had no intention of convincing the Republicans to support her cause.
“I was under no illusion that I’d be persuading a single one of them. We were there to speak to people watching so that they can connect with how serious this situation is,” she said.
Wells explained that Fossil Free London utilises media-attention to reach and inspire other climate sympathisers.
In recent years, the climate action group has attracted attention for disturbances at the London Stock Exchange, Shell’s London HQ, and events held by oil giants like BP and TotalEnergies.
Wells added: “I want to spread the message: ‘Look it’s possible to stand up to this! Other people agree with you! And look how serious it is, join in!’
“The worst we do is raise our voices and people often appreciate that. It’s direct. It’s clear. It’s focused. It’s the sort of protest which doesn’t inconvenience ordinary people.
“I think a lot of people can get behind that.”
Featured image credit: Fossil Free London
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