Activists who have been carrying out a string of disruptive
demonstrations along the M25, causing travel chaos for tens of
thousands of people, will be in contempt of court if they
breach the terms of an interim injunction won by National
Highways today.
Breach of the injunction can be punishable by up to two years
in prison and an unlimited fine, serving as a deterrent for
anyone thinking of re-joining the disruptive action.
National Highways intend to return to court to extend the
injunction and potentially seek additional powers of arrest.
The Government’s intervention will help dissuade activists from
carrying out any further disruption.
Transport Secretary said:
“We will not let these demonstrators wreak havoc on our
roads, disrupt thousands of people’s journeys and put lives
in danger. Not only are they creating more traffic and
pollution, they are alienating the public from their own
cause.
“Today, we’re taking action, bringing in further measures to
stop those taking part in these self-defeating protests,
while we continue the work we’re already carrying out to
clean up our air and reach net zero.”
Home Secretary, said:
“This injunction is an important step in stopping these
activists putting lives needlessly at risk on our busy roads.
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and there
will always be space for people to make their voices heard.
It cannot be at the expense of public safety.
“The police have our full support in cracking down on this
reckless behaviour.”
Policing Minister, said:
“These protests have endangered the lives of road users and
the police officers who have responded quickly and
responsibly.
“The police should be fighting crime in our neighbourhoods,
not chasing activists across busy motorways. This is why we
are taking this action now and we’ll be working with National
Highways on a full injunction.”
The Government is already ending the sale of new petrol and
diesel cars in the UK by 2030, investing billions of pounds to
help industry and drivers make the switch to cleaner vehicles,
and will continue its work to install thousands of chargepoints
and boost the development of new technologies to meet ambitious
net zero goals.
Campaign group Insulate Britain’s recent
demonstrations have led to considerable disruption on one of
the UK’s busiest motorways – creating a backlog of traffic and
more pollution – as well as blocking the emergency services
from reaching those whose lives are in danger.
Over 200 people involved with the demonstrations have already
been arrested and previous actions of Extinction Rebellion – of
which Insulate Britain is an offshoot – has cost the UK
taxpayer £50million.
ENDS
