Police arrest 27 Just Stop Oil supporters over plans to disrupt airports during summer holidays

Police arrested activists, including some believed to be “key organisers” for the climate group, in dawn raids on Friday in London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk and West Yorkshire. Credit: PA

Dozens of Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested in coordinated dawn raids across England in connection with plans to target airports.

Police arrested activists, including some believed to be “key organisers” for the climate group, in dawn raids on Friday in London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk and West Yorkshire.

Six were arrested by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday night during a Just Stop Oil event named “From Roads to Runways – A Just Stop Oil Talk” at Haggerston Community Centre, east London.

The force said it took action as “we know Just Stop Oil plan to disrupt airports and thousands of holidaymakers this summer”.

Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation, said: “We know Just Stop Oil are planning to disrupt airports across the country this summer which is why we have taken swift and robust action now.

“Our stance is very clear that anyone who compromises the safety and security of airports in London can expect a strong response from officers or security staff.

“Airports are complex operating environments which is why we are working closely with them, agencies and other partners on this operation.”

Suspects released on bail are subject to conditions which include not travelling within one kilometre of any UK airport unless passing by while on a mode of transport.

In response to the wave of arrests, a Just Stop Oil spokesman said: “I think it speaks volumes when we’ve got a police force cracking down on non-violent Just Stop Oil supporters in this way.

“The people enacting criminal damage on an unimaginable scale against all of us – oil company executives and the politicians that they’ve bought, basically – when is it that those folks are going to face the full force of the law?”

He added that disruption is necessary because people are “dropping dead around the world” from extreme heat, and “tipping points” are being passed.

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