M25 traffic: Journalist arrests ‘wrong’ during protests, police commissioner says
A police commissioner has admitted officers “got it wrong” by arresting members of the press covering Just Stop Oil protesters on the M25.
A photographer, film-maker and LBC reporter were all taken into custody by Hertfordshire Police this week.
David Lloyd, the police and crime commissioner for the force, told LBC: “I am certain that there was no reason to arrest them such as you have given. As I said at the outset I think we got it wrong.”
Meanwhile Just Stop Oil returned to overhead gantries along the M25 on Thursday for the fourth day in a row.
The climate group once again shut down roads and caused delays along the motorway to call for an end to all new oil and gas. Traffic was brought to a standstill near Heathrow in the morning.
The Metropolitan, Surrey and Essex Police all arrested individuals over the action on Thursday.
Key Points
Police ‘got it wrong’ over journalists’ arrest, commissioner says...
and adds media should ‘think about’ how they are covering Just Stop Oil protests
Journalists hit back at police and crime commissioner comments
Just Stop Oil cause disruption on M25 for fourth day in a row
14:57 , Zoe Tidman
That’s all from us for today. Thanks for following.
Photographer ‘incensed’ at police search of house
14:48 , Zoe Tidman
A press photographer arrested covering a Just Stop Oil protest said he was asked to hand over his wedding ring and was “incensed” to find police had searched his house.
Read more:
Journalist arrested at Just Stop Oil protest ‘incensed’ as police searched house
‘Proactive patrol’ stop car with climbing equipment near M25
14:18 , Zoe Tidman
Kent Police says it arrested five suspected activists this morning during “proactive patrols” near the M25.
Officers found climbing equipment and banners in a car:
Five suspected activists were arrested at around 6.20am today, after our proactive patrols stopped a suspicious car near #Westerham and the #M25 motorway. Climbing equipment, harnesses, D-locks and banners have all been seized and the suspects have been taken into custody. pic.twitter.com/iy0OOwhE2t
— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) November 10, 2022
Eleven charged overnight
13:33 , Zoe Tidman
The Metropolitan Police said there were 11 people were charged overnight in connection with Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
They were all due to appeal in courts across the country today.
Essex Police praised ‘brave’ officers
12:55 , Zoe Tidman
Essex Police has praised officers for arresting an activist on the M25 today.
“It was great work this morning from our officers who were brave, stopped someone near a gantry and made an arrest,” ACC Glen Pavelin said.
“When criminality is occurring, we will act swiftly and make arrests.”
ACC Glen Pavelin said: “It was great work this morning from our officers who were brave, stopped someone near a gantry & made an arrest.
“Our proactive patrols are right across the road network. It’s a difficult environment to work and we have to keep everyone safe." pic.twitter.com/FgAnfKhIUL— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 10, 2022
Just Stop Oil discuss journalist arrests
12:33 , Zoe Tidman
New tweet from Just Stop Oil:
#COP27 is currently taking place in Egypt
The Sec Gen of the @UN has stated that we are on a highway to climate hell
The UK Government are currently arresting journalists and imprisoning climate activists
Oh, and also still going ahead with 100 new oil and gas licences. Yikes.— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 10, 2022
‘Dangeous overreach'
12:13 , Zoe Tidman
Jun Pang, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Liberty said: “A free, independent press is a vital part of a functioning democracy, and should not be interfered with.
“For the Police and Crime Commissioner to instruct the media to reconsider how they cover protests is a dangerous overreach.
“This, and the recent arrests of journalists and protesters, are being enabled and encouraged by a Government that continues to hand out sweeping powers to the police, creating a hostile environment for protesters and an increasingly dangerous working environment for journalists.”
Journalists hit back at police and crime commissioner comments
11:42 , Zoe Tidman
Ramzy Alwakeel, the head of news at openDemocracy, said the organisation was “deeply disturbed” by David LLoyd’s comments.
“Our job is to report facts and context, not to censor events to suit the authorities or special interests. It’s not the job of the police to tell us what protests we can or cannot cover,” he told The Independent.
Meanwhile the British Association of Journalists said it was a non-political trade union and does not make statements on political issues.
“However, the comments this morning on LBC by David Lloyd have left us flabbergasted,” it said in a statement, adding: “We are at a loss for words. “
Media should think about Just Stop Oil coverage, police and crime commissioner says
11:25 , Zoe Tidman
The Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner appeared to blame journalists for not covering Just Stop Oil protests “appropriately” after the force was heavily criticised for arresting members of the press.
David Lloyd said journalists should be “thinking about” whether it was right to give the protests the “oxygen of publicity”.
He drew a comparison with how he imagined the press would report on a person trying to take their own life on a ring road, which he did not think would be covered “in the same way”.
“The question I’m pushing back to you is that fine line between reporting the news and making the news and whether or not that is crossed on occasion by reporting it in such a sensational way,” he told LBC.
Watch here:
Herts Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd says eco-protesters are only blocking roads because they know they're going to get publicity.
Do you agree with him?@NickFerrariLBC pic.twitter.com/pwmwcLGXLt— LBC (@LBC) November 10, 2022
And here:
'That fine line between reporting the news or making the news...I just think you need to think about it.'
Herts Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd lays down criticism to news outlets, such as LBC, for covering JSO protests.@NickFerrariLBC pic.twitter.com/rcggeUhf37— LBC (@LBC) November 10, 2022
Police chief offers begrudging apology for arrest of journalist
11:01 , Zoe Tidman
The Police and Crime Commissioner of Hertfordshire Police admitted the force “got it wrong” by arresting journalists trying to cover Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
Asked on LBC about the detention of a LBC reporter, as well as a documentary maker and a photographer, David Lloyd said: “I am certain that there was no reason to arrest them such as you have given. As I said at the outset I think we got it wrong.”
Pushed for an apology, Lloyd said he had been brought on radio as a “sacrificial lamb”, but added: “It seems she shouldn’t have been [arrested], and for that I apologise.”
'If I was commissioner of a police force that had been lambasted by everyone, including the PM I wouldn't be laughing the next morning.'@NickFerrariLBC responds to Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner who feels he was brought onto LBC to be a 'sacrificial lamb'. pic.twitter.com/z775ktPFjx
— LBC (@LBC) November 10, 2022
Tweets from drivers stuck in traffic on M25
10:37 , Zoe Tidman
Here’s what people who have been struck in traffic on the M25 are saying:
@GMB been stuck on M25 between M4 and M40. In our electric car, Stationary for over 2 hours. 🥵. We will miss our flight now. 😡
— Marcelle (@apple_cumble) November 10, 2022
Just a heads up. If any of you are heading out on the M25 avoid J15-16 M40-M4 turn off. We have been stationary for about 30 mins as there are protesters on the road. pic.twitter.com/GzUMshBAK4
— David Grant MBE (@DavidGrantSays) November 10, 2022
Three charged after yesterday’s protests
10:18 , Zoe Tidman
Essex Police have charged three people with public nuisance after the M25 protests yesterday:
More transport disruption in London
10:04 , Zoe Tidman
It is not just the M25 facing disruption today.
Public transport in London is being hit with strike action today, with most tube lines suspended.
You can catch the latest updates here:
London Underground grinds to a halt as TfL staff walk out – follow live
Just Stop Oil vows to continue until demands met
09:54 , Zoe Tidman
Just Stop Oil has replied to the Metropolitan Police...
We’re ready to keep going until the Government ends new oil and gas. https://t.co/SnJyOa3qhc
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 10, 2022
Traffic at standstill near Heathrow
09:45 , Zoe Tidman
Traffic is currently at a standstill near Heathrow airport.
Nearby Junctions 15 and 16 have been hit by a protest this morning.
Full story: Just Stop Oil back on M25 for fourth day in a row
09:33 , Zoe Tidman
Just Stop Oil supporters are protesting on the M25 for the fourth consecutive day.
The Metropolitan, Essex and Surrey Police said they were dealing with incidents:
Just Stop Oil protesters target M25 for fourth day
M25 closures and delays
09:20 , Zoe Tidman
The M25 is closed between Junction 15 (Thorney Interchange) and Junction 16 (Uxbridge).
Police have cleared other incidents along the motorway, but delays remain:
Please be aware of an ongoing police led incident on the #M25 between J15 and J16 this morning. The road is closed in both directions whilst police manage the incident.
Other police led incidents on the #M25 have since cleared however there are along residual delays from this. pic.twitter.com/UqH9tNCX9y— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) November 10, 2022
Two arrested by Surrey Police after climbing on M25 gantries
09:18 , Zoe Tidman
Surrey Police have also made two arrests after activists climbed on two different gantries: one at Junction 8 at Reigate Hill and another heading towards Junction 7.
***Update 8.30am***
The activist has now been arrested and taken off the gantry between junction 7 and junction 8.
The road has been reopened. Thank you for your patience— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 10, 2022
Met Police make an arrest
09:04 , Zoe Tidman
The Metropolitan Police has made one arrest after somebody climbed on Junction 25 at Waltham Cross.
One arrest made for causing a public nuisance.
The road is due to be opened imminently.— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 10, 2022
Protesters back on M25 gantries at ‘multiple locations'
08:55 , Zoe Tidman
Here is Just Stop Oil on their fourth day of action:
🛣 BREAKING: M25 BLOCKED FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE DAY 🛣
🚧 From 6:30 this morning, supporters of Just Stop Oil climbed onto the overhead gantries of the M25 at multiple locations, demanding that the Govt immediately end all new oil and gas.#M25 #COP27 #COP27Egypt #A22Network pic.twitter.com/qTBTzKx9yM— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 10, 2022
Protesters climb gantries ‘at multiple locations'
08:25 , Sam Rkaina
The Met said there is a person on a gantry near Junction 25 at Waltham Cross close to the border with Hertfordshire. The road is closed.
There was also a report on social media of a protest between Junctions 15 and 16, near Heathrow Airport.
Just Stop Oil said its supporters climbed gantries “in multiple locations” from 6.30am on Thursday.
Phoebie Plummer, a 21-year-old student from London, said: “I understand people must be frustrated with us, and rightly so, but we have to disrupt daily life because we are hurtling towards climate catastrophe, yet the Government continues to betray me, my generation and people in the global South by issuing new oil licences.”
Met police says it will ‘keep traffic moving'
08:02 , Sam Rkaina
The Metropolitan Police said: “We’re ready to respond to any criminality on the M25 again today and will work quickly to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving.”
Kent Police said: “There are no current incidents involving activists on the road networks in Kent.
“Our officers are continuing to assist other forces in responding to any offences and disruption elsewhere.”
Just Stop Oil protestersdisrupted M25 for fourth day in a row
07:53 , Sam Rkaina
Just Stop Oil protesters have disrupted the M25 for a fourth day in a row.
Essex Police said a woman had been arrested while trying to climb an overhead gantry close to junction 28, near Brentwood, while Surrey Police said officers had responded to activists on the gantry at junction eight.
Essex Police said: “We have arrested a woman attempting to climb a gantry approximately 1.5 miles before J28 on the M25 clockwise track. One lane was closed for a short time as officers responded to the situation. All lanes between junctions 28 and 29 are now open.”
Surrey Police tweeted: “Officers are on scene and dealing with activists who have climbed the gantry at Junction 8 on the M25. The road has been closed anti-clockwise.”
Wednesday 9 November 2022 16:40 , Sam Rkaina
We’ve now finished our live coverage of the M25 protests for the day, but keep checking independent.co.uk for all the latest updates.
Rishi Sunak has joined calls for press freedom after journalists were arrested at Just Stop Oil protests
Wednesday 9 November 2022 15:44 , Thomas Kingsley
Rishi Sunak has joined police chiefs in calling for press freedom after it emerged journalists have been arrested and held in custody during Just Stop Oil protests.
Charlotte Lynch, of LBC, told of her "terrifying" five hours in a police cell, a day after documentary maker Rich Felgate and photographer Tom Bowles were arrested for reporting on the activists on the M25 in Hertfordshire.
Mr Sunak said it is "vital" that journalists are able to do their job freely, "without restriction", as the chief constable of Hertfordshire Police called for a review into the arrests.
Mr Sunak said it is "vital" that journalists are able to do their job freely, "without restriction", as the chief constable of Hertfordshire Police called for a review into the arrests.
‘Only a matter of time’ before someone dies during Just Stop Oil protest, Essex police chief warns
Wednesday 9 November 2022 14:56 , Thomas Kingsley
Essex Police chief constable BJ Harrington said it is “only a matter of time” before someone is killed during a Just Stop Oil protest.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "We have been telling Just Stop Oil all the time that motorways are dangerous places and people will and do get killed."
Asked about the incident in which an officer was injured on the M25 on Wednesday morning, he said: “It's devastating. Our officers have been out there doing the best they can to protect the public and keep the roads moving.
“As a result of their bravery and commitment, one of them gets hurt.”
He went on: “I think it is only a matter of time before somebody gets killed.
“The only way this is going to stop is if Just Stop Oil frankly grow up and realise they are putting people's lives at risk.”
Rishi Sunak says government ‘moving ahead’ with policy to give police power to stop protesters
Wednesday 9 November 2022 14:09 , Thomas Kingsley
Rishi Sunak has said his government is “moving ahead” with legislation to give the police the powers they need to stop protests such as Just Stop Oil.
His comments came after Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge Ben Spencer said in the Commons: “Today Just Stop Oil protesters have been on the M25, causing disruption and misery to my constituents, including causing problems of access to my local hospital.
“Does my right honourable friend agree with me rather than illegal stunts that endanger lives, these protesters should look at our records of delivery on net-zero, from renewables to the Glasgow climate pact, and work constructively with us to deliver on our environmental ambitions?”
The prime minister replied: “I completely agree with my honourable friend and I sympathise with his hard-working constituents who are having to deal with this kind of disruption.
“That's why we are moving ahead with legislation to give the police the powers they need to stop this type of extremist protesting, disrupting the lives of working people, and I very much hope the party opposite actually join us in supporting those changes.”
ICYMI: Journalist arrested covering Just Stop Oil M25 protest tells of ‘terrifying’ five hours in cell
Wednesday 9 November 2022 13:10 , Thomas Kingsley
A radio journalist has spoken of the “terrifying” five hours she endured in a police cell after being arrested while reporting on a Just Stop Oil protest.
Charlotte Lynch, of LBC, had been reporting on the activists from a road bridge over junction 21 of the M25, in Hertfordshire, on Tuesday, for around 45 minutes when she was approached and questioned by two officers.
After showing them a press card and having explained she was reporting on the demonstration, the officers handcuffed her, took her phone and arrested her on conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.
Read the full story below:
Journalist arrested covering climate protest tells of ‘terrifying’ hours in cell
Two protesters charged over disruption
Wednesday 9 November 2022 12:45 , Thomas Kingsley
Two Just Stop Oil protesters have been charged over disruption on the M25, Essex Police has said.
Charlotte Kirin, 53, of Peckham Street, Bury St Edmunds, and 55-year-old Paul Bleach, of Locarno Road, Portsmouth, were charged with intentionally recklessly causing a public nuisance.
On Tuesday, they were arrested at junctions 31 and 27 of the M25 respectively. Both are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Three plead guilty to causing a public nuisance in M25 protests
Wednesday 9 November 2022 12:25 , Thomas Kingsley
Three people have pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance following serious disruption to motorists on the M25, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
They are among 22 people charged as part of a joint operation involving the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, Surrey Police, Kent Police and Hertfordshire Police.
Parts of M25 starting to reopen
Wednesday 9 November 2022 12:00 , Thomas Kingsley
Essex Police has confirmed the last protester has been brought down and arrested
The force said in a statement: Thank you to everyone for your patience. We are working at speed with National Highways to open roads as quickly as possible, but we do understand how frustrating this has been. Thanks to those who arrested these individuals.”
The last person has been brought down and arrested. Thank you to everyone for your patience. We are working at speed with National Highways to open roads as quickly as possible, but we do understand how frustrating this has been.
Thanks to those who arrested these individuals. pic.twitter.com/Xf4ZIViTqx— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 9, 2022
Police secure another protester and open part of motorway at reduced speed limit
Wednesday 9 November 2022 10:51 , Thomas Kingsley
Police have secured another protestor on top of a gantry at J29-30 and have reopened the section in the anticlockwise direction.
Essex Police said: “We have secured this person and are working to bring him down. Junction 30 to 29 (anti-clockwise) has been reopened, with a speed limit of 40mph.”
We have secured this person and are working to bring him down. Junction 30 to 29 (anti-clockwise) has been reopened, with a speed limit of 40mph. pic.twitter.com/O4Ak5soEzY
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 9, 2022
Journalist tells of ‘terrifying’ five hours in a cell after Just Stop Oil arrest
Wednesday 9 November 2022 10:29 , Thomas Kingsley
A radio journalist has spoken of the “terrifying” five hours she endured in a police cell after being arrested while reporting on a Just Stop Oil protest.
Charlotte Lynch, of LBC, had been reporting on the activists from a road bridge over junction 21 of the M25, in Hertfordshire, on Tuesday, for around 45 minutes when she was approached and questioned by two officers.
After showing them a press card and having explained she was reporting on the demonstration, the officers handcuffed her, took her phone and arrested her on conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.
It comes after a photographer and filmmaker said they were held in police custody for around 13 hours for covering a protest staged by the group.
Ms Lynch said she was searched on the side of the road, before officers seized her devices and took her to a police station in a custody van.
She said: “Got to Stevenage police station, that journey took over an hour because of the M25 being closed.
“I was in the back of a police van, handcuffed, my hands were in front of me, handcuffed the entire time, on my own, the two police officers were behind the glass cage.”
Officers arrest a protester at J30 after climbing gantry
Wednesday 9 November 2022 10:10 , Thomas Kingsley
Essex Police have mounted a gantry at J30 of the M25 and arrested a protester.
It comes as an Essex police officer was hurt this morning during the disruption after being struck by a lorry.
The protestors for the JSO climate change group are demanding the government stops all new oil and gas licences.
Isabel Rock, 41, an artist from South London, is one of the protestors up the metres high structures: “I’m doing this for my baby nephew and his unborn sister.
“I want them to have a chance at a future. I want this for all the children everywhere. I’ve had a life full of love and privilege, I want to give something back.
“The government is responsible for criminal inaction on the climate crisis. They should be in prison, not me.
“It is my moral duty to cause disruption to force the government to act.”
Update: The person who was on J30 has been brought down and arrested. pic.twitter.com/t3DYvHkj8t
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 9, 2022
NEW: Just Stop Oil says police officer injured in lorry crash is ‘awful situation’
Wednesday 9 November 2022 09:53 , Thomas Kingsley
Just Stop Oil has said a lorry crash which injured a police officer was an “awful situation” as the group staged its third day of protests along the M25.
The incident has led to road closures between J26 and J27 clockwise, causing delays during the early rush hour on Wednesday.
Officers are also at J30 of the M25, where one Just Stop Oil protester climbed a gantry, with one person stopped.
“The collision of two lorries and the injury of a police officer on the M25 this morning is an awful situation. The level of disruption being witnessed on the M25 should not be happening - people are rightly angry and frustrated,” Just Stop Oil said in a statement.
The statement added: “The impact on peoples lives is huge. In normal circumstances this would be unacceptable. It should never have come to this.
“The failure of our politics has left us with no other option as we seek to protect our rights and freedoms from a collapse in law and order due to a heating world.”
Read the full story below:
Just Stop Oil says police officer injured in M25 lorry crash is ‘awful situation’
Watch: LBC reporter recounts being arrested while covering Just Stop Oil demonstration
Wednesday 9 November 2022 09:40 , Thomas Kingsley
Wednesday 9 November 2022 09:25 , Thomas Kingsley
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, of Essex Police, praised the officers on the scene: “One of our officers has been injured as they worked to help resolve this situation.
“Our roads policing officers are dedicated, specialist officers who come to work to serve the public and keep you safe on our roads. They do this tirelessly, day-in day-out.
“Sadly, this morning one of these fantastic officers has been injured while carrying out this work. My thoughts are with them and their family.
“I want to thank the public for their support, patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation.”
One person has been arrested for causing a public nuisance.
Essex Police were unable to stop an estimated 10 protestors climbing the overhead structures, despite patrolling the area.
The protestors for the JSO climate change group are demanding the government stops all new oil and gas licences.
Protester locks himself to gantry
Wednesday 9 November 2022 09:05 , Thomas Kingsley
The Metropolitan Police has said it is on the scene at J24-25 of the M25 following reports a protester has locked themselves to the gantry.
It comes as Essex Police said it is still assessing the condition of an officer hurt during a lorry crash on the motorway this morning.
We are currently on scene at junction 24/25, where we suspect a person has locked themself onto a gantry.
Updates to follow.— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 9, 2022
10 Just Stop Oil climb gantries, group says
Wednesday 9 November 2022 08:50 , Thomas Kingsley
Just Stop Oil said around 10 of its supporters climbed on to overhead gantries in "multiple locations" on the M25 from 6.30am on Wednesday, in what is the third consecutive day of protests on the UK's busiest motorway.
They have been joined by activists from Animal Rebellion, a group campaigning for "a plant-based food system".
According to Just Stop Oil, its supporters have been arrested more than 2,000 times since its campaign began on 1 April, and 15 are currently in prison.
Wednesday 9 November 2022 08:35 , Thomas Kingsley
National Highways has confirmed that J29 and J30 have now been closed because of the disruption.
Essex Police also confirmed a specialist officer has removed a protester from the gantry.
Wednesday 9 November 2022 08:18 , Thomas Kingsley
In its latest update, Surrey Police has confirmed that J13-14 of the M25 is now shut.
Just Stop Oil protesters have disrupted several parts of the motorway this morning with police warning commuters to find alternative routes of travel to avoid disruption.
*******UPDATE 8.10AM*******
There are two protesters on a gantry between junction 13-14 of the M25. The road has temporarily been shut.— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 9, 2022
Officer injured while dealing with protesters on M25
Wednesday 9 November 2022 08:00 , Thomas Kingsley
According to reports, an officer was injured on the M25 close to Waltham Abbey following a protester being in the road.
It comes as arrests are being made along the motorway as Just Stop Oil conducts its third day of protests.
BREAKING: @EssexPoliceUK an officer injured on the M25 close to Waltham Abbey following a protester being in the road. Specialist officers put a rolling roadblock in place to deal with the activist which led to one of them being struck. Motorway now closed J26 and J27 clockwise. pic.twitter.com/8WXT79vL1r
— BBC Essex (@BBCEssex) November 9, 2022
Lorry crashes during protest
Wednesday 9 November 2022 07:52 , Sam Rkaina
A person has been arrested for causing a public nuisance after a lorry crashed on the M25 while Just Stop Oil protests were taking place.
Essex Police said the incident, which happened on Wednesday morning, has led to road closures between J26 and J27 clockwise.
The force has not confirmed whether it was the result of activists who have been demonstrating in the area, and the cause of the accident is unclear.
It said: “We’re currently responding to an incident and a subsequent lorry collision on the M25.”
Officers were also at J30 of the M25, where one Just Stop Oil protester had climbed a gantry, while one person was stopped.
Police warned the action would cause disruption to traffic in the area.
Meanwhile, Surrey Police confirmed one protester was on a gantry near junction 8 on the motorway.
The force said: “Officers are proactively patrolling the rest of the M25, as they have been all week.”
Motorway disruption returns for third day running
Wednesday 9 November 2022 07:44 , Sam Rkaina
Activists from Just Stop Oil are staging a third day of demonstrations on the M25, causing further disruption.
The Metropolitan Police say officers from the Surrey and Essex force are at the scene dealing with protesters who have climbed on gantries at several points along the motorway.
Surrey Police has confirmed that one activist has been arrested between junction 8 and 9.
Essex Police has urged commuters to find alternative routes to travel as it deals with protesters climbing gantries along the motorway.
A spokesperson said: “Traffic is still moving through this junction at the moment, but very slowly. There will be delays to journeys. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”
Tuesday 8 November 2022 15:11 , Katy Clifton
Thanks for following our live updates, we are pausing our coverage for the evening.
Sixteen arrested in second day of M25 protest
Tuesday 8 November 2022 14:03 , Zoe Tidman
Sixteen have been arrested in today’s protest. Read more here:
Sixteen arrested as Just Stop Oil protesters block M25 for second day
Just Stop Oil and nursing strike
Tuesday 8 November 2022 13:46 , Zoe Tidman
Harriet Williamson, our commissioning editor, has taken a look at both a planned nursing strike and Just Stop Oil’s second day of M25 protests.
“The reason I’m putting these two examples together – striking nurses and climate protesters – is because the reaction to both of these events has a common thread running through it.”
Read what she thinks here:
Opinion: Just Stop Oil and striking nurses are making one terrible mistake
Full story: Just Stop Oil cause M25 disruption for second day
Tuesday 8 November 2022 13:31 , Zoe Tidman
My colleague,Thomas Kingsley, has the full story on what happened this morning:
M25 blocked by Just Stop Oil protesters as police warn drivers to avoid the area
What else have Just Stop Oil been up to recently?
Tuesday 8 November 2022 13:00 , Zoe Tidman
Let’s have a quick reminder of what else Just Stop Oil have been up to over the past few weeks:
Just Stop Oil protesters arrested after throwing cake at King Charles III waxwork
Arrests after Just Stop Oil protesters target MI5 and Home Office
News UK entrance spray-painted orange by Just Stop Oil activists
All road closures lifted - but traffic remains
Tuesday 8 November 2022 12:44 , Zoe Tidman
It looks like all road closures have been listed now on the M25, with none listed on National Highways website.
But congestion still remains going clockwise between J29 and J30, as well as anticlockwise at Junction 2.
Roads around Junction 25 and 27 reopen
Tuesday 8 November 2022 12:18 , Zoe Tidman
Roads have now opened up between Junctions 25 and 27:
Update: The #M25 is now OPEN in both directions between J25 #WalthamCross and J27 #Epping following an earlier police incident. There are no delays anticlockwise and 27 minute delays above normal journey times clockwise pic.twitter.com/JRYN57X9Kl
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) November 8, 2022
Visually-impaired M25 activist ‘terrified’
Tuesday 8 November 2022 12:14 , Zoe Tidman
A Just Stop Oil protester says she is visually impaired and “scared of heights” - and is “terrified” protesting from an overhead gantry today.
“I’m doing this because I’m more terrified if we don’t stop new oil and gas, we are on the brink of climate catastrophe,” she says.
Watch here:
Jane, 56.
"We are on the brink of climate catastrophe, the collapse of civilization, and the loss of everything we love. And I can't stand by and let it happen.#COP27 #COP27EGYPT #M25 pic.twitter.com/RvRldsxqW5— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022
Thoughts from people stuck in M25 traffic
Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:53 , Zoe Tidman
Here’s some tweets from people caught up in the M25 disruption today. Some different views...
@JustStop_Oil - seems a bit counterintuitive, no? Every single one of these cars has an engine running, wasting fuel, causing pollution. Get down from the gantries on the #M25 and protest at parliament, don’t impact the gen. pop. #pointless pic.twitter.com/AnvwIxCJ62
— Sam Bradford (@sam_baff) November 8, 2022
Listening to this in tears whilst sat at a standstill on the M25 caused by a #JustStopOil protest. She is right. You may not agree with their methods but the disruption caused by the global #climatecrisis will exceed inconvenient delays on a motorway… @RishiSunak all eyes on you https://t.co/cegW8Zw6ys
— Hannah Rudd (@hannahsrudd) November 8, 2022
Looks like I’m going to miss my flight to #COP27 because of climate breakdown protests on the M25 motorway and…actually…that’s totally fine. More power to you @JustStop_Oil 👍
— Rachael Treharne (@RachaelTreharne) November 8, 2022
Been on a 12 hour night shift in A&E haven’t slept in 16 hours and now having to wait on the M25 because of @JustStop_Oil, the more fuel I waste sitting here is causing a problem. Will you also take responsibility if I crash from exhaustion? #M25 #m25 #oilprotesters
— Lauren (@ldc_lauren) November 8, 2022
Just Stop Oil footage from M25 gantry
Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:31 , Zoe Tidman
Just Stop Oil has shared a video from up on one of the M25 gantries:
"The banner says it all. Just Stop Oil. We have a government that is not stepping up to a cost of living crisis, and an energy crisis — there are so many things they could be doing."#A22Network #CivilResistance #A22Network #JustStopOil #NoNewOil #EnoughIsEnough #ClimateChange pic.twitter.com/ZfwyMIhKzT
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022
The group also added:
Our supporters do not want to be on gantries on the #M25. But until @RishiSunak stops new oil and gas licenses we will continue in civil resistance.
More fossil fuels will only cause more damage. We need to #JustStopOil.
Learn more about the campaign at https://t.co/VfvQUeOaM6 pic.twitter.com/HSmmSShiek— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022
Arrests from different forces
Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:15 , Zoe Tidman
Here are the police forces on the arrests taking place in their areas.
Essex Police say a woman has been arrested:
A woman has been brought down from a gantry over J31 on the #M25 and arrested within 90 minutes of being spotted as officers responded swiftly to reports of disruption.
We're working to resolve another situation at a gantry at Junction 27.
Read more: https://t.co/C9M287lO2r pic.twitter.com/SVCVLW96C8— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 8, 2022
Surrey Police made arrests over protests at four different gantries...
UPDATE 10.25 - The activists on the motorway gantry at J11, J12-13 and J8-9 have now been removed and arrested. Traffic will shortly be released.
— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 8, 2022
Kent Police arrested two:
Two protestors have been arrested at junction 1b of the #M25 following a swift response by our officers. The motorway remains open, but with delays resulting from a protest on the Essex side of the #DartfordCrossing
— Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) November 8, 2022
Sixteen arrested over M25 protest
Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:03 , Zoe Tidman
Sixteen protesters have been arrested on the M25 today, according to the Metropolitan Police:
A total of 16 protesters on the M25 have been arrested in a joint operation this morning by Met police and other neighbouring forces including @EssexPoliceUK, @SurreyPolice and @kent_police, Tuesday 8 November.
— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 8, 2022
Closures between Junction 8 and Junction 11
Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:00 , Zoe Tidman
The M25 is closed in both directions between Junction 8 and Junction 11:
The #M25 is closed in both directions between J8 #Reigate and J11 #Addlestone due to an ongoing police led incident. Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to advise when the road will reopen. More info: https://t.co/znksmkg7TS pic.twitter.com/l2KPJqiW0Y
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) November 8, 2022
What happened on the M25 yesterday?
Tuesday 8 November 2022 10:45 , Zoe Tidman
Just Stop Oil have targeted the M25 for two days in a row.
On Monday, its activists also climbed on gantries to cause disruption during rush hour - including between Junctions 6 and 7 in Surrey and the key Junction 25 in Waltham Cross.
Read up on what happened yesterday:
Just Stop Oil shuts parts of M25 as protesters climb gantries over motorway
Fifteen involved in M25 protest
Tuesday 8 November 2022 10:14 , Zoe Tidman
Just Stop Oil says 15 protesters were involved in the action blocking the M25 today:
🛣 BREAKING: M25 BLOCKED FOR SECOND DAY 🛣
🚗 Approx 15 supporters of Just Stop Oil have climbed onto the overhead gantries of the #M25 at multiple locations — causing police to stop traffic — demanding that the Government halts all new oil and gas consents licences.#COP27 pic.twitter.com/6pa4XPt5DK— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022
‘I will do what I can to demand a response'
Tuesday 8 November 2022 10:00 , Zoe Tidman
Here is what one of the Just Stop Oil protesters on a M25 gantry said this morning:
🦺 Charlotte Kirin, 53, a social worker, carer and parent from Bury St. Edmunds said:
“In order to survive, we need to take action to stop new oil and gas. For as long as the Government pretend this isn’t the priority, I will do what I can to demand a response.#COP27Egypt pic.twitter.com/7dr0OpslkX— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) November 8, 2022
Eight charged over attempts to cause M25 disruption
Tuesday 8 November 2022 09:45 , Zoe Tidman
The Metropolitan Police has charged eight people with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance following attempts to cause disruption on the M25.
They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.
Dartford Crossing lanes reopen
Tuesday 8 November 2022 09:31 , Zoe Tidman
Lanes are now reopen around the Dartford Crossing - but built-up congestion is now approaching the tunnels:
Update: Traffic has been released northbound at the #A282 #DartfordCrossing following an earlier @EssexPoliceUK led incident. there are 6 miles of residual congestion approaching the tunnels. @DartCharge pic.twitter.com/oEtjRaav1V
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) November 8, 2022
Where are M25 closures?
Tuesday 8 November 2022 09:20 , Zoe Tidman
Here are some road closures along the M25 this morning.
Between Junction 7 in Merstham and Junction 9 in Leatherhead:
Update: The #M25 is closed in both directions between J7 #Merstham and J9 #Leatherhead due to a police led incident. Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to advise when the road will reopen. More info: https://t.co/znksmkfA4k pic.twitter.com/dSd9LWaCjX
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) November 8, 2022
Between Junction 27 in Epping and Junction 26 in Cheshunt:
The #M25 is closed anticlockwise between J27 #Epping to J26 #Cheshunt due to a police led incident. Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to advise when the road will reopen. Road users may wish to reroute or delay their journey. More info: https://t.co/cxhTsVAUCn pic.twitter.com/X1HFQkmAvD
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) November 8, 2022
Between Junction 16 in Uxbridge and Junction 15 around Heathrow:
The #M25 is closed anticlockwise between J16 #Uxbridge and J15 #HeathrowAirport due to a police led incident. Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to advise when the road will reopen. More info: https://t.co/cxhTsViLof pic.twitter.com/SVQYesNAFx
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) November 8, 2022
J14-15 protester removed
Tuesday 8 November 2022 09:18 , Zoe Tidman
The protester around Junction 14 and 15 has also been removed:
The protester has been removed from the gantry and arrested.
Traffic on the road is now moving.— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) November 8, 2022
J7-8 protester arrested
Tuesday 8 November 2022 09:03 , Zoe Tidman
Surrey Police has brought down and arrested the protester between Junction 7 and 8:
The activist on the motorway gantry between J7-8 has now been brought down and arrested. Traffic on this part of the M25 will shortly begin to be released.
— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 8, 2022
Dartford tunnel closed due to protest
Tuesday 8 November 2022 08:41 , Zoe Tidman
Remember when Just Stop Oil targeted a bridge over the Dartford Crossing?
It looks like an activist is causing disruption in the area today as well.
The Dartford tunnel is closed while police deal with the protest:
We are currently on scene at the north-bound track of the M25 at the Dartford River Crossing where a protester has climbed on to the gantry at junction 31. Dartford tunnel and two lanes are closed. We are working as quickly as we can to keep you moving. pic.twitter.com/SAD8gCAtkS
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 8, 2022
M25 protest in Surrey
Tuesday 8 November 2022 08:33 , Zoe Tidman
Surrey Police are also tweeting about a Just Stop Oil protest on a stretch of road in their area:
Officers are on scene and dealing with protesters who have climbed on to motorway gantries between J8-9 and J12-13 along the M25 this morning.
Traffic is currently stopped in both directions at these junctions. Thanks for your patience, we’ll update as soon as possible.— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 8, 2022
Police warn commuters to avoid the area
Tuesday 8 November 2022 08:15 , Thomas Kingsley
Police have warned commuters to avoid the area and find alternative routes as officers try to deal with protesters.
Hertfordshire Police said: “We are responding to reports of protest activity at junction 20 (Kings Langley) of the #M25. Officers are at the scene.
“Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route where possible. We’ll update you as soon as possible.”
We are responding to reports of protest activity at junction 20 (Kings Langley) of the #M25. Officers are at the scene.
Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route where possible. We’ll update you as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/ZuTgN69KKH— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) November 8, 2022
M25 blocked by Just Stop Oil protesters at rush hour for second day running
Tuesday 8 November 2022 08:11 , Thomas Kingsley
Just Stop Oil protesters have blocked the M25 for the second day running, with rush hour traffic brought to a standstill.
The motorway is blocked anticlockwise at Junction 31 for Lakeside in Essex after protesters climbed gantries at the M1 junction.
Hertfordshire Police said: “We are responding to reports of protest activity at junction 20 (Kings Langley) of the #M25.
“Officers are at the scene. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route where possible.”
Read the full story below:
M25 blocked by Just Stop Oil protesters at rush hour for second day running
Tuesday 8 November 2022 08:32 , Zoe Tidman
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Just Stop Oil protests on the M25.
