Manchester, United Kingdom - October 26, 2024 On October 26, 2024, a statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, the iconic suffragette leader, became the centerpiece of a bold protest by Just Stop Oil, as activists adorned it with a high-visibility vest and a speech bubble declaring, “Deeds not words: Just Stop Oil.” This action aligns with the group's urgent demand for the UK government to cease all extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030. At 11 a.m., Just Stop Oil supporters dressed the statue, which represents Pankhurst standing on a chair addressing a mass demonstration, with the striking props. Highway Maintenance workers later removed the items, but the message was clear: climate action is imperative. Pankhurst, who co-founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), famously championed the idea that real change requires action, not just words. The protest coincided with the release of the UN emissions gap report, which warned of a potential temperature rise of up to 3.1°C under current policies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the dire consequences of inaction, stating, “There is a direct link between increasing emissions and increasingly frequent and intense climate disasters.” A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil quoted Pankhurst, emphasizing that public consent is vital: “We do not consent to government plans to continue burning more oil and gas for decades to come.” The spokesperson further criticized the current political landscape, urging the public to take action against a system perceived as catering to corporate interests rather than the needs of ordinary people. As the call to action intensifies, Just Stop Oil is rallying supporters for a major protest on November 2nd, aiming to galvanize public support for urgent climate measures.