The police finally responded with no hesitation to the Just Stop Oil protesters who blocked a major roundabout today. They jumped out of a van and then greeted them with a “hello, mate,” The police responded immediately by handcuffing the protesters.
Scotland Yard had been criticised in the past by motorists because it was slow to respond during 13 consecutive days of actions by London’s environmental group. Today, the organization said that it deployed an ‘rapid intervene’ to apprehend 20 demonstrators.
Today’s protest at St George’s Circus, Southwark began just after rush hour ended at 9am. The roads were clear by 10.40am. Some protesters stayed longer by sticking to the pavement.
This is a tougher response after yesterday’s comments by UK’s chief police officer about his frustration with not being in a position to stop demonstrations blocking roads. He also said that officers shouldn’t give tea to protesters.
Sir Mark Rowley, the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner had stated that he would love to close the Just Stop Oil protests quickly instead of having to use ‘enormous resources’. However, he was unable to legally do this.
They were removed today but caused an angry bust-up among drivers as they blocked the South London key junction on the 13th day of a series of protests, which has now seen more than 350 arrests.
A man shoved a protester before another witness shouted at him: “Don’t touch him. What do you think you’re f***ing doing? It’s up to the police. The man replied: ‘Where’s the f***ing police then?’
But the other man said: You can’t f***ing attack them like that, you can’t touch them, you can’t f***ing physically attack them. Stupid c***.’ Passers by also tore banners off the group before they were returned.
From 9am, demonstrators set up a number of roadblocks on routes surrounding the St George’s Circus junction. It is situated between Lambeth North Stations Elephant and Castle Underground Stations.
A protest also blocked an ambulance responding to an emergency call. The video shows it standing still with flashing blue lights on. It is located approximately 1,000 meters from St. Thomas’ Hospital.
One protester spoke out as he was taken away by the police. He said: “I don’t need the Government, and no one needs to have the Government sign off on new oil projects which will kill and poison people for their entire lives.” I ask the Government to stop issuing new oil permits and that they do so immediately.
“We don’t have to do this stuff. The winter is coming and people will have to decide between heating or eating. Meanwhile, Shell at the Waterloo Road, the largest company in the world, will make billions.
“I will not stand for this and I will sit here until the police take me out. We need others to come along. Everybody can help make a difference. You don’t need any new oil. Sign up for Just Stop Oil. We are grateful.
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protesters from blocking St George’s Circus this morning
As their protests go on, Just Stop Oil demonstrators were removed from St George’s Circus Southwark today.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Today’s Just Stop Oil protester was stopped by a St George’s Circus officer and he was immediately taken into custody.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
As they protest at St George’s Circus, Southwark, a man pulls a Just Stop Oil advocate away
A second observer challenges him this morning and tells the man not to touch Just Stop Oil protesters
One man shouts at another person to keep away from protestors during today’s Just Stop Oil demonstration in Southwark
One man tears apart a banner of the Just Stop Oil protesters who block St George’s Circus, Southwark.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
As their protest continues, police remove Just Stop Oil demonstrators from St George’s Circus in Southwark.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Today, as he praises Southwark’s Just Stop Oil protesters, a bicycle supports them.
An officer talks to the Just Stop Oil protester, who was blocking St George’s Circus at Southwark.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
As protests in Southwark continue, police spoke to a Just Stop Oil demonstrator who was blocking St George’s Circus.
A cyclist approached the activists, and he fist bumped their heads. You can see all the dirt that has been pumped out. You will truly appreciate it.
The activists continued to sit in the street with banners while others glued themselves onto the Tarmac. They continued their demand that the Government stop all oil and gas permits and consents.
Just Stop Oil has released video of a witness who said it was amazing. The police were not there until five minutes before. Then they lined up every exit, and then suddenly the Metropolitan Police had filed all exits. It’s unclear what they will do. They drag people along and force them to leave.
“But they’re still not moving, they sit pretty steady, which is amazing. However, they literally pick up people and move them. This happened quickly. It was like there wasn’t anything here five minutes ago. Now it’s just all descended. It’s all back now. However, they are doing an extraordinary job.
Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said that at 10.20 am today, the Met quickly mobilized to respond to protests at St George’s Circus (near Blackfriars) at 9.30am. So far, 11 officers have been arrested. Westminster Bridge Road only has limited access. The officers are working fast to restore traffic flow. Some demonstrators have stuck to the ground. Our experts are already on site and working fast to get them out.
After confirming that the roads were clear at 10.40 AM, the force issued an update, telling officers: ‘As per 10.40 AM, prompt intervention by officers resulted the arrest and removal of all 20 Just Stop Oil protestors. This includes ten of those who had stuck themselves to road. The traffic is now flowing freely again, and all lanes are open at St George’s Circus.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Unidentified protestors from Just Stop Oil tear down a banner in Southwark’s St George’s Circus.
As protests in Southwark continue, police spoke to a Just Stop Oil demonstrator who was blocking St George’s Circus.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
This morning, there was a line of buses that gathered near St George’s Circus in Southwark as part of the Just Stop Oil demonstration
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Protesters for Just Stop Oil were expelled from St George’s Circus, Southwark this morning. Their demonstrations are continuing
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protestors who were blocking St George’s Circus this morning
One man has a conversation with Just Stop Oil protester while the group blocks St George’s Circus at Southwark.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protestors who were blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Jane Thewlis (66) a 60-year-old social worker from Bradford (West Yorkshire) was one of the demonstrators. Jane said, “My entire life has been about looking after people, and I cannot bear to watch the suffering that is caused by climate collapse.”
“People have to go to food banks, and are unable to heat their houses. This government is adding to people’s suffering, while giving tax benefits to the well-off has made me very sad. Just Stop Oil offers a clear message: Stop granting oil and gas licences. We must create a world that cares for all.
Manny McKenzie (63), a West Yorkshire-based retired child psychiatrist, stated that he is taking immediate action because it became clear to him that the urgent climate crisis and inactions, paralysis, denials and inactions of our politicians make no other choice.
“Ending all new oil-and gas projects seems like a simple decision. Allowing oil and gas to continue to burn is going to cause climate change and environmental disaster, with millions of people starving and dying. Decarbonising energy, transport, and farming will save us and improve our quality of living through increased resilience, community, and a healthier environment.
Sally Hayes (66), a grandmother from Hebden Bridge and shopowner, stated that there are only two or three years to act decisively to stop a complete climate collapse. The government has granted licenses to expand fossil fuel extraction, ignoring all scientific advice. This is criminally irresponsible.
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
Just Stop Oil protesters were confronted this morning by members of public who blocked St George’s Circus, Southwark.
This morning, there was a line of buses that gathered near St George’s Circus, Southwark.
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protesters from blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Today, members of Just Stop Oil were blocked from St George’s Circus Road in Southwark by police officers and they were taken into custody
One man has a conversation with Just Stop Oil protester while the group blocks St George’s Circus at Southwark.
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protestors who were blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Protesters for Just Stop Oil were expelled from St George’s Circus, Southwark this morning. Their demonstrations are continuing
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protestors who were blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protesters from blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Just Stop Oil protestors block traffic as they stop motorists passing through St George’s Circus at Southwark.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
I can’t stand and witness the devastation of this beautiful world and our children’s lives. It is hard to imagine the beautiful life that my precious granddaughter will have. Collectively, we are responsible for the catastrophe that has befallen our families. We can’t do it to our children.
Met Police Chief: No Tea for Activists
The UK’s top police chief yesterday told of his frustration at not being able to shut down demonstrations blocking roads – and insisted officers should not give protesters cups of tea.
Sir Mark Rowley, the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner said that he would love to close down protests quickly instead of having to use ‘enormous resources’. However, he does not have the legal authority to do this.
An officer from the London Assembly complained to him that officers needed to wait until major protests such as those by Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil were cleared to enter his office before they intervened.
Sir Mark said his officers could not be ‘more assertive’ – despite Just Stop Oil blocking traffic in London for 13 days in a row. Transport for London, local councils and other authorities must declare that any action is causing a’serious disturbance’ in the lives of the local community before police are allowed to disperse protestors.
Sir Mark answered a question about whether or not officers should have given out tea. This is not our responsibility. He said: ‘The fact I’ve been putting 200 officers a day into policing this – I don’t welcome that… But, I need to work [within]Legal framework
This sit-down protest marks the thirteenth consecutive day of demonstrations organized by Just Stop Oil activists. There have been 357 arrests, including this one.
Two Just Stop Oil activists were detained yesterday, along with 25 Insulate Britain workers who returned to Britain after a 13 month absence. The latter set up an obstruction on Parliament Square.
Just Stop Oil stated that there had been over 1,600 arrests since April 1st, when the campaign started.
One spokesman stated that this was not an event of one day, but an act against the criminal government and their project for genocidal execution. Our supporters will be returning – today, tomorrow and the next day – and the next day after that – and every day until our demand is met: no new oil and gas in the UK.
“We won’t be intimidated or stopped by any changes in the law. They are ineffective when used against mass starvation, massacre, loss of our rights and freedoms, as well the destruction of our communities.
Yesterday, the UK’s top police chief told of his frustration at not being able to shut down demonstrations blocking roads – and insisted officers should not give protesters cups of tea.
Sir Mark Rowley, the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner said that he would love to close down protests quickly instead of having to use ‘enormous resources’. However, he does not have the legal authority to do this.
An officer from the London Assembly complained to him that officers needed to wait until major protests such as those by Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil were cleared to enter his office before they intervened.
Sir Mark stated that his officers couldn’t be more assertive despite Just Stop Oil protesters blocking Knightsbridge traffic on Tuesday, their 11th day. This resulted to the delay of an ambulance, fire engine, and a vehicle carrying a sick child to hospital.
The group of activists blocked roads and bridges in Westminster and glued themselves onto the roofs of police cars in Piccadilly Circus. They also closed The Mall just in front of Buckingham Place.
The law requires that the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London’s local partner and council, declare it causes “serious disruption” to residents of local areas before police are allowed to disperse.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
This morning, there was a line of buses that gathered near St George’s Circus in Southwark as part of the Just Stop Oil demonstration
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protesters from blocking St George’s Circus this morning
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
This morning, there was a line of buses that gathered near St George’s Circus in Southwark as part of the Just Stop Oil demonstration
Just Stop Oil protestors block St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Southwark police remove Just Stop Oil protesters from blocking St George’s Circus this morning
One man has a conversation with Just Stop Oil protester while the group blocks St George’s Circus at Southwark.
Just Stop Oil protesters blocked St George’s Circus at Southwark as part of their ongoing demonstrations in London
Sir Mark was asked if officers shouldn’t hand out tea cups to protesters and replied: “I don’t think so.” This is not our responsibility.
“This has been an extremely difficult operation in the eleven days that have passed.” It irritates me that it takes away the ability to police local communities.
“In just 11 days, we’ve put in 2,156 officer-days into this. That’s roughly a few hundred officers per day.
“That is an immense amount of police resources that don’t address issues that matter in local communities. They aren’t dealing to knife crime.
The law clearly states that blocking roads is not a serious disturbance. However, it is possible to protest lawfully within reasonable limits.
“And those are the judgements that police officers must make throughout the entire time.
Yesterday, a Just Stop Oil protester climbed on top of the back gate of Downing Street.
TUEDAY — Just Stop Oil protesters clash with a man on the street at London’s Knightsbridge junction
MONDAY — A campaigner was removed from the Just Stop Oil demonstration on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace by police officers
OCTOBER 9 — In a protest at Piccadilly Circus (London), demonstrators block the street
OCTOBER 8 — Police take a man out of Green Park’s Just Stop Oil Protest.
OCTOBER 7, Just Stop Oil protesters block Vauxhall Bridge Road, Central London.
OCT 6 — Just Stop Oil demonstrators at Trafalgar Square London, as they continue their protests
OCTOBER 5 — Protesters against Just Stop Oil block the road to Westminster
OCTOBER 4, Just Stop Oil climate activists block roads surrounding Parliament Square
3 October — The police try to remove Just Stop Oil protestors from Trafalgar Square
OCT 2 — Just Stop Oil protesters take over Waterloo Bridge, London
1. OCTOBER — Protesters occupy Parliament Square while Just Stop Oil continues to protest
“The fact that I have been sending 200 officers per day to policing these, I don’t like that. That’s not good for London’s neighborhoods, honestly. But, I need to comply with the legal structure.
“I’d love to be able close them down faster and use less police resources at the moment. As soon as there are partners with the knowledge to evaluate the effect on the roads network, once they tell us that this is headed towards the border, then we’ll be in the area right away. However, until then I do not have the legal authority to make that happen.
Suella Braverman (Home Secretary) stated that on Tuesday she expects the police to make use of the ‘full power’ granted to them by Government.
The actions of Just Stop Oil demonstrators in Knightsbridge were branded by her as “self-defeating” and “completely unjustifiable”.