Met Warns Just Stop Oil: More Chaos Ahead in London Before Christmas
Commander Karen Findlay of Met Operations has issued a stark warning as Just Stop Oil gears up for fresh protests across London from November 28 to December 14. The eco-activists have already caused major disruptions, snarling traffic on the M25 and rocking the capital’s daily life.
Police Ready for Battle Against Oil Protesters
Commander Findlay said the Met is “fully prepared” to tackle the expected protests. A highly skilled team with specialist officers will deploy sophisticated tactics to quickly deal with lock-on devices and other disruptive actions.
“We have robust policing measures in place to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents of serious disruption,” said Findlay.
However, Just Stop Oil refuses to cooperate, neither sharing protest plans nor numbers, making police work much tougher. Officers are forced to be on constant standby, diverting resources from tackling knife crime, burglaries, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Huge Police Resources Diverted to Protests
- Since October 1, 11,923 officer shifts have been dedicated to handling Just Stop Oil protests.
- 755 activists arrested in October and November; 182 have been charged so far.
Commander Findlay acknowledged public frustration:
“A small number of protesters are seriously disrupting thousands of lives — people trying to get to doctors, hospital appointments, work, interviews or to collect children.”
Met Promises Swift Justice and Urges Calm
The Met vows to act decisively when protests cross into criminal behaviour, swiftly removing activists and restoring order.
Findlay urged activists to engage with police ahead of protests to minimise disruption but warned:
“Please do not take matters into your own hands.”
The Met is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and courts to ensure justice is served and London’s communities can carry on with their lives.
