Met Cracks Down on Just Stop Oil Chaos
The Met is battling mounting disruption from Just Stop Oil protests wreaking havoc across London. Since October 1, officers have arrested 651 activists, tackling deliberate attempts to block roads and disrupt daily life.
Thousands of Officer Hours Drained
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist revealed the scale of the strain: “Over 7,900 officer shifts have been deployed just to keep London moving.” The constant need to respond pulls police away from vital local issues like knife crime, burglaries, and safeguarding.
Public Frustration Boils Over
Twist acknowledged Londoners’ fury: “A tiny minority of protesters are causing chaos for commuters, businesses, and those heading to crucial appointments. People have had enough.” But he warned against public intervention, urging calls to police instead.
Legal Hurdles in Policing Protests
To prosecute, the Met must prove obstruction was deliberate, unlawful, and unreasonable. “We gather clear evidence before making arrests,” explained Twist. “Specialist teams then move swiftly to remove protesters, including those using complex lock-on devices.”
More officers will be needed for the foreseeable future to process cases through the courts. The Met remains committed to stopping the disruption and bringing troublemakers to justice.
