Protesters Slam M4 and M1 Roundabouts, Chaos in London Traffic
About 30 activists caused gridlock at two key London roundabouts: Junction 3 of the M4 near Heathrow and Junction 1 of the M1 at Brent Cross. Furious drivers in west and north London blasted their horns as traffic ground to a halt for hours.
Police Act Fast, Make Mass Arrests
Among the protesters were eight recently released from custody after blocking the M25 at Junction 30 in Essex. The Met Police arrived just 13 minutes after being alerted to the M4 blockade at 8.27am, clearing the road by 9am. In total, 13 people were arrested on charges of obstruction and conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
Insulate Britain Demand Urgent Govt Action
The group Insulate Britain vowed to keep up the pressure until the government pledges to insulate all 29 million of Britain’s leaky homes by 2030. They slammed ministers for “continuing to delay action” despite urgent calls to cut carbon emissions, end fuel poverty, and ease soaring energy bills.
“It’s incomprehensible that the government is continuing to delay action on home insulation when we urgently need to cut our carbon emissions, eliminate fuel poverty and help hard-working families with their rising energy bills. Added to which industry is crying out for the government to show some leadership and get behind a national retrofitting strategy. Come on Boris: get on with the job.”
Legal Clampdown Fails to Halt Protests
The government secured an injunction last week making M25 blockades contempt of court — punishable by up to two years in prison or unlimited fines. Yet Insulate Britain admitted its recent protests have openly breached this order.
