Insulate Britain: Police arrest 19 activists as Old Street roundabout blockade is cleared

Insulate Britain - who have caused gridlock across the capital - said: ‘This campaign will continue until the government gives us a meaningful statement we can trust.’
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Police made 19 arrests as they cleared up Insulate Britain protesters blocking Old Street roundabout during rush hour this morning.

Around 20 activists sat holding signs in the middle of Old Street, near Moorfields Eye Hospital, blocking traffic moving northwards and southwards on the busy A501.

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Officers swiftly arrived on the scene, surrounding protestors, who had superglued their hands to the tarmac.

Police used a solution to peel the activists from the tarmac, before arresting them.

Scotland Yard said that 19 arrests were made in Old Street this morning.

The group did move previously to allow an ambulance pass.

Police at the insulate Britain protest at Old Street roundabout. Credit: LondonWorldPolice at the insulate Britain protest at Old Street roundabout. Credit: LondonWorld
Police at the insulate Britain protest at Old Street roundabout. Credit: LondonWorld

Insulate Britain said: “Our policy is and always has been to move out of the way for emergency vehicles with blue lights on.”

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The scene is now clear and traffic can pass through as normal.

Insulate Britain also caused disruption at junction 25 on the M25, breaking its High Court injunction, which bans them from blocking motorways.

Police officers, who were waiting for them on the scene, tackled a few of the activists before they had a chance to glue themselves onto the road.

Video footage shows Insulate Britain protesters running in front of police cars on the M25, as officers attempted to drag them off the road.

Police said 16 arrests were made at the M25 protests.

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In a statement the Met Police said: “Arrests were for obstructing the highway.

“Roads are open and traffic is flowing. Thanks to motorists for their patience.”

This is the 12th time that Insulate Britain has caused disruption on motorways and A roads as part of their campaign to insulate Britain’s homes

Liam Norton from Insulate Britain said: “This isn’t a cause, this is about the deaths of our children before they get to grow old.

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“This isn’t protesting, this is about doing whatever it takes to protect the future generations.

“And we want to be clear, this campaign will continue until the government gives us a meaningful statement we can trust.

“If that happens we will get off the roads like a shot.”

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“We face economic chaos and the breakdown of law and order in a matter of years.

“We ask the prime minister to make the statement the country wants to hear - that our government will live up to its responsibilities to protect us”

The Prime Minister addressed Insulate Britain at the Conservative Party Conference calling the activists “irresponsible crusties”.

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He told LBC that those involved are “not” legitimate protesters and they are “doing considerable damage to the economy”.

The government also announced plans to criminalise protesters that obstruct roads, railways and the press.

The Home secretary Priti Patel called the actions “selfish”.