Six people suspected of being Just Stop Oil organisers have been arrested at a soup night in east London.
The arrests were made after reports that the group planned to disrupt airports and “thousands of holidaymakers this summer”, the force said.
Some of those in custody are believed to be “key organisers” for Just Stop Oil, police said.
The climate activists last week breached security at Stansted Airport to spray orange paint on private jets.
Singer Taylor Swift’s private jet had been there hours before the incident but was not affected.
A source told The Times that the airport attack was only a “prelude” to action coming before autumn, adding: “This is just another way of us taking action in the theatres of life we exist in because we’re not politicians.”
JSO denied individual holidaymakers were being targeted, but failed to rule out action at airports this summer.
🚨 BREAKING: MET POLICE ARREST PEOPLE EATING SOUP
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 27, 2024
🥫 @metpoliceuk have just raided a soup night in London, arresting 6 people.
🚔 At the same time, Daniel has been arrested whilst staying with their parents.
💸 Help us continue in civil resistance — https://t.co/R20S8YQD1j pic.twitter.com/YFR3pJ3U8A
Hackney Police said in a statement: “Tonight our officers made six arrests during an event at an east London community centre.
“We believe some of those in custody are key organisers for Just Stop Oil.
“All the arrests were under a section of the Public Order Act which makes it illegal to conspire to disrupt national infrastructure.
“We continue to work with airport operators and others to prevent significant disruption.
“Actists do not have the right to commit criminal acts that may also endanger themselves and others.
“Anyone who disrupts the safety and security of an airport can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
