Multi-millionaire Just Stop Oil supporter Dale Vince defends climate activists disrupting the Ashes
A multi-millionaire entrepreneur who has donated to Labour and campaigns has defended his political contributions and climate activists' bid to cause disruption. Dale Vince was questioned on ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday about the 1.5million donations he has made to the over the decade. The green energy industrialist, 61, alleged that he donates to the party because 'I want them to win the next election', adding that there is a 'very big funding gap' between the money Labour and the receive. Mr Vince also argued he is not a 'funder of zealots' despite having donated to JSO. He did, however, slam criticisms of the group's recent disruptions across the capital and at sporting events. He said a 'few minutes' disruption is nothing in comparison to the four million deaths allegedly caused by the climate crisis and the 20 million people who are made homeless because of it. When asked about the latest protest this week, which caused disruption to the Ashes sporting event, and the coverage the protests received, Mr Vince said: 'I think it's comical.' He added: 'A few minutes disruption and the UN say four million people have already lost their lives and 20 million people every year are made homeless globally by the climate crisis. 'That's a few minutes of cricket? People are losing their homes and their lives.' Mr Vince's interview with Sophie Ridge comes just days after after storming the Lord's pitch during this week's Ashes test. Daniel Knorr, a 21-year-old biochemistry student from Oxford, Jason Bourne, a 26-year-old from Leeds, and Judit Murray, a 69-year-old grandmother from Surrey, ran onto the world's most famous cricket ground while hurling orange powder into the air. England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow was forced to take matters into his own hands by physically stopping Knorr and carrying him across the outfield - to cheers from the crowd. But when discussing JSO protests causing havoc, blocking roads and stopping ambulances getting through, Mr Vince said: 'There was another protest around Parliament Square a few weeks ago and they had a fantastic protest whilst allowing flashing blue lights through, it really works and there were two whilst I was there.' He added that he does have sympathy for the drivers disrupted by the frequent protests, but also feels for the four million people who have died already. When asked if his donations to the Labour party were about influence, Mr Vince said: 'No, never. I am very clear with them; I don't want anything.' He explained that he also donates money to Greenpeace, Sea Shepherd, a women's refuge, school breakfast clubs and food banks.