Fuel protests in the UK - good thing or not

[Janespade]

there are successful fuel protests in Ireland and other countries are also having fuel protests in Europe.
They will come to the UK soon - 2001 style so you won’t be able to buy any fuel.
Are these protests the best way of tacking the vast amount of tax paid on fuel?
Or do you see them as blockades as the Irish authorities have called them.
Is it ok for ordinary people to lose jobs as they can’t get to work? What about people going for cancer treatment who have to drive in daily?
In 2001 school buses stopped running in some places so we could see schools shut, teachers stuck at home and health care staff without fuel to get to work. It’s not as if the majority can rely on public transport.
Maybe exams won’t run this year and we’ll all have to WFH and that could be a positive unless you have a trade?
is the disruption to a few lives worth it as everyone will benefit it fuel tax comes down?

I’m pregnant, and the idea that me or my partner would struggle to get fuel to get me to appointments or that if this drags on supplies become short near my due date is quite frightening.

i don’t drive much as a rule and can cut back on some travel, but I have a fair number of trips I can’t cancel or postpone at the moment

I think things like this will be a lot easier than the last time as so many taxis and much public transport is electric

The government’s tolerance for protest is vastly lower than it was a quarter of a century ago, and they have extremely wide-ranging, indeed draconian, powers to stop protests. If hauliers and farmers try what they have been doing in Ireland here they will be stingered, dragged from their cabs, and arrested. Look how the Just Stop Oil protestors were treated.

Just stop oil seemed to be allowed to sit in the roads to their heart’s content? Or did things get stricter later on? I remember media reports of the police do8ng nothing. Apart from the ones scaling gantries, etc.

They’ve received harsh sentences. Many are still in prison

The Irish government today announced over €500 million in supports to help with rising energy costs, following about a week of fuel protests involving road blockades and disruption to fuel supplies. I have to say I’m surprised at the level of support the protesters have received. The rising cost of fuel is genuinely hurting a lot of people, but the methods used were extremely disruptive and risked impacting vulnerable people and essential services. The demands also don’t fully reflect the reality that fuel prices are largely driven by global factors, and there are limits to what the government can do. There has also been concern about far-right voices being involved, which adds to the unease. Overall, while the frustration is understandable, it’s hard to see these protests as a clear success or something that should be repeated elsewhere.

I did look into it due to family in Eire but on news sites - even The Independent has an article on. Possible UK protests.

Worth pointing out that in the UK many commercial fuel users hedge via fuel cards so wont be paying anything like pump prices.

Methinks they protest too much

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fuel-petrol-prices-iran-war-protests-b2956074.html

I'm sure some people would protest, but as it was scientifically proven in 2016 that 52% of Britons are thick as fucking pigshit, it's hardly surprising that some people are behave idiotically.

Some people want there to be a simple solution which doesn’t require them to change their own behaviour.

This

I do think the fact the Irish government has capitulated somewhat with their package makes it more likely to happen here.

Given the reports on the Irish protests even if I supported the objective which I dont I could not stand alongside those who are leading and active in it.

Fascists to a man

Unlike Ireland Agriculture is not so important economically neither is heating oil so I really dont see it happening unless some very nasty people start it.

What exactly do these morons think the government can do about a massive global supply issue caused by the US Iran war.

Are you joking? They were arrested (often in an extremely aggressive manner) and many received longer prison sentences than if they had commited serious violent crimes after being denied the right to mention climate change in their defence.

The name of the country is Ireland. Unless you are writing in Irish, which you are not. Eire means load or burden, the word you are attempting to use is 'Éire', with a fada.

Interesting article here

https://forlouth.medium.com/the-blockade-is-the-message-20eb93493849

I suggest that those who want a fuel blockade read it very very carefully and think about who will be getting involved

TBut my keyboard is English, I’m of Irish decent but don’t use the words properly. Thanks for the education

This point is well made. Some might argue that a blockade is a necessary tactic - but it does amount to bullying/holding to ransom.

I have noticed an uptick in far right comments and even posts on social media in connection with many things including fuel protests. Community Facebook groups are rife with it already but have become hives since fuel
protests are mentioned.

There are definitely businesses who need support as they’ve become loss making do to increased fuel prices. And there’s a genuine desire to ask a Government to step in and assist, however some people will use this as a facade for their own purposes.

Don't worry, the government will follow Trudeau's Canadian way, criminalise the protesters, seize their assets and force them into bankruptcy.