Among the critics are UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk, the United Nations special rapporteur for environmental defenders Michel Forst, Amnesty International and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

[2] Just Stop Oil has often received criticism for using illegal and disruptive tactics in its protests, such as vandalism and traffic obstruction, although the group is committed to non-violence.

[8] The court heard that Roger Hallam, Daniel Shaw, Louise Lancaster, Lucia Whittaker De Abreu and Cressida Gethin had spoken on a Zoom call organised to recruit potential volunteers for the M25 protest.

[14] Michel Forst, the United Nations special rapporteur for environmental defenders, attended two days of the trial and was critical of the proceedings, stating that such severe sentences for non-violent protest are "not acceptable in a democracy".

[15] Forst stated "Mr. Shaw may reasonably expect to face a prison sentence of up to two years (or more) for, in essence, his participation in a Zoom call to discuss a proposed peaceful environmental protest.

[15][18] Over 1200 artists, athletes and academics signed a letter to the Attorney General, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss "the jailing of truth tellers and their silencing in court".

Among the signatories were former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, musicians Chris Martin and Annie Lennox, and author Philip Pullman.

[13][15] 58 year‑old Louise Lancaster published her experiences of the trial and of life in a United Kingdom prison from July to December 2024 in a national newspaper.