Just Stop Oil Protesters Busted Before Manchester Airport Sit-In
Four Just Stop Oil activists were arrested today in a dramatic police sweep at Manchester Airport, thwarting a planned sit-in protest. Three women aged 21, 30, and 53, plus a 23-year-old man, are in custody on suspicion of conspiring to cause a public nuisance.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations Branch confiscated items believed to be for causing damage and major disruption to airport operations.
Police Praise Arrests for Avoiding Travel Chaos
Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter said the arrests stopped “a determined and targeted attack” that could have caused severe delays for holidaymakers this summer.
“These arrests have no doubt prevented a determined and targeted attack which would have brought significant delays and upset to those hard-working people heading off for their summer holidays,” said Dexter.
He added that police have been working closely with airport staff and other forces nationwide to prevent such disruptive protests. “The right to protest must be respected, but we will take swift action against those causing unacceptable disruption,” Dexter warned.
Dexter urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police or airport staff to help maintain security.
Activists Vow to Keep Fighting for Climate Action
Among those arrested was 21-year-old Ella Ward, an environmental science student from Birmingham. In a statement, she admitted fearing prison but said climate collapse is an even greater terror.
“I know I may be sent to prison and face many years inside. This terrifies me, but the impending societal collapse terrifies me more if we don’t act now.”
Just Stop Oil vowed to continue disrupting fossil fuel industries nonviolently until the government agrees to a Fossil Fuel Treaty ending oil and gas by 2030.
A spokesperson said the arrested activists will accept legal consequences, emphasising “accountability” as central to their peaceful protests and demands for urgent climate action.
More Airport Protests Hit by Police Crackdowns
The energy-draining campaign has targeted airports across Europe, planning a “summer of chaos.” However, cops have repeatedly stepped in to stop them.
- Last week, six protesters blocked Heathrow Terminal 5’s security screening, holding placards demanding a fossil fuel treaty but were quickly removed by police.
- On August 1, seven activists were arrested after blocking Heathrow security again, ensuring flights stayed on schedule.
- Eight were also arrested at London Gatwick for blocking departure gates.
Manchester Airport declined to comment on today’s arrests when asked by MailOnline.
For now, police efforts have kept travel running smoothly — but Just Stop Oil’s relentless actions signal more tense protests could be on the horizon.
