The Met has launched a ‘significant’ policing operation to identify and arrest climate-change protesters suspected of planning ‘reckless and serious’ disruption
(Picture: Ian West/PA)Police made 23 arrests on Monday morning (November 7) following disruption on the motorway.
Just Stop Oil said supporters on overhead gantries on the M25 are “demanding that the Government halts all new oil and gas consents and licences”.
A video was shared of Louise, 24, making her protest: “You might hate me for doing this, but I wish you would direct all that anger and hatred at our Government. They are betraying young people like me — I wouldn’t have to be here if they did their duty.”
The Metropolitan Police and National Highways were warned by Just Stop Oil on Sunday evening of planned disruption on the M25.
Matt Twist, assistant commissioner for the Met, said the action was “criminality” not protest.
He told journalists: “This was a very significant and co-ordinated effort to cause massive disruption to the entirety of the M25.”
The Met says more than 10,000 officer shifts have been dedicated to policing Just Stop Oil protests since the start of October.
What do you think of the Met’s operation to arrest climate-change activists? Let us know in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
On Friday, we asked: What do you think about the rail strikes?
westhamlinnet commented to say train drivers are stopping lower-paid workers from earning a living.
On Facebook, Sebastian Turner commented: “They have salaries, perks and contracts that the great majority of people in this country can only dream about! We’ve suffered enough with their strikes. Sack them and contract people who actually want to work!”
However, some Facebook users’ sympathies lie with the striking workers. MJ Cheongy responded: “Everyone needs to strike for better pay, and conditions! Inflation is driving up costs everywhere, we should all be asking for higher salaries. 100% support for unions fighting for working ppl.”
Alba Mason commented: “Strike is always a last resort.... no worker takes the decision to fight a struggle unless it has to be done. So if the union and management are willing to have constructive discussion on the issues, then let’s see what happens... and until the outcome of those talks is known its right to pause the strikes sparing the workers from losses... Fingers x the talks bring a deal that workers find acceptable”
