Just Stop Oil: BCP councillor arrested during protest

Cllr Felicity Rice, ward councillor for Oakdale in Poole, was arrested in Marylebone Road on Saturday, October 11 on suspicion of obstructing a highway as part of a protest with Just Stop Oil.

The demontrations saw many environmental protesters sit in major London roads, obstructing traffic, with many of them gluing themselves to the tarmac.

Cllr Rice said she did not glue herself to the road. 

She described the protest as a “nonviolent civil resistance to the government”, adding: “We will not stand by and watch whilst those in power allow fossil fuel companies to worsen or destroy our lives in order to line their own pockets this autumn and winter.

Cllr Rice, centre. Just Stop Oil (Image: Just Stop Oil)“We demand that the government provide an emergency response to the cost of living crisis, as they did with Covid.

“Everyone would have their basic energy needs met and bills would be shrunk through insulation, renewables and free public transport, paid for by the fossil fuel companies and the extremely rich.  

“Workers and communities would be supported so no one is left behind. Instead of one rule for us, and another for them, we would all be in it together paying our fair share.

Cllr Rice said she wanted to show residents that “we do not have to allow the government to worsen our lives” this winter and that as a councillor, she wanted to “step up and say, ‘this is not ok’”. 

Cllr Felicity Rice (Image: Newsquest)

“I feel I have a moral responsibility to stand up for residents and do what I can to demand the government address the cost of living crisis and insulate people's homes, focus on renewable energy and stop expanding oil and gas to protect the people in BCP and our towns,” Cllr Rice added. 

She also said that some residents may be upset at the idea of a councillor being arrested, but her “motives are based on [her] belief all residents should have a warm home.” 

Cllr Rice declined to comment if she would take part in a protest again. 

Read more: Just Stop Oil protest in London joined by BCP councillor

A BCP Council spokesperson would not comment on Cllr Rice’s alleged activities at this moment in time but added: “All councillors are required to abide by the code of conduct set out in BCP Council’s constitution.  

“This code sets out The Seven Principles of Public Life (known as the Nolan Principles) which all councillors must uphold by when acting in their capacities as elected representatives.  

“Should a councillor be charged and found guilty of an offence, this matter would be considered at that stage.”