Dozens of arrests as eco mob returns to block busy London road

25 October 2021, 08:09 | Updated: 25 October 2021, 12:23

Police drag protesters away from busy London junction

By Will Taylor

Eco protesters returned to cause misery for motorists as they blocked the busy A10 road in London.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Insulate Britain, which have drawn rage from motorists as they blocked roads including the M25 and the Port of Dover in recent weeks, had suspended campaigning until Monday.

They claimed they had done so in light of a speech Boris Johnson made on climate change.

But it also followed a fiery encounter with drivers when they demonstrated in Essex, with commuters taking matters into their own hands by dragging campaigners off the road.

A total of 52 people were arrested across locations in London on Monday morning and the A10 was cleared by 11am.

Read more: Eco mob returns for half term disruption as first activists face court cases

Read more: Police make 38 arrests as eco protestors clash with motorists across London

Insulate Britain return and cause travel chaos

At about 8am on Monday, the group blocked a busy London intersection near Liverpool Street, with drivers trying to get around campaigners as they held up banners.

Police arrived within minutes and began speaking to the activists, some of whom had glued their hands, feet, and in the case of one protestor, his face, to the road.

An activist was seen being dragged off the road as she went limp, while another stood in front of a van as it slowly drove at him.

One told LBC he was campaigning for his grandson in Australia, while taxi driver Mohammed, who was caught up in the disruption, said he was losing money.

Campaigners were also blocking Southwark Bridge and the Limehouse Causeway at the junction with the A1206 near Canary Wharf.

The Met said: "A total of 52 people have been arrested following a number of protests across London and the City of London this morning.

"We responded alongside @CityPolice to events on Bishopsgate, Upper Thames Street, Limehouse and on Southwark Bridge.

"Those arrested are en route to custody."

The group, which demands the insulation of Britain's social housing by 2025 for economic and environmental reasons, is the subject of court bans on parts of the UK's road network. It believes the protests today do not cover court orders banning them from campaigning on certain roads.

Speaking to LBC’s James O’Brien, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he supported the goal of Insulate Britain but did not condone the way in which they protested.

"I think we do need to insulate our homes far more than we currently are," he said.

"Although I support [Insulate Britain’s] ends I don’t support their means."

He added: "I welcome those who are protesting unlawfully being arrested.

"I think the way to protest isn’t to do it in a way that’s not peaceful, not lawful or safe."

Insulate Britain return to block central London junction

Dozens of police officers arrive to arrest eco-mob

Contempt of court applications have already been made against some activists. Contempt can bring prison sentences and fines.

National Highways has made nine applications to the High Court against Insulate Britain activists for breaching injunctions by blocking the M25 motorway.

The court will decide whether they breached the orders, which were made earlier in October.

Hundreds of arrests have been made throughout the group's demonstrations.

City of London Police said: "Bishopsgate is currently closed at the junction with Wormwood Street due to protest activity. Police are at the scene but please avoid the area if possible as this is causing disruption to traffic

"Police are also at Southwark Bridge at the junction with Upper Thames Street, which is also closed in both directions, due to protest activity. Please avoid the area if possible."

Updates to follow

Police forced to stop van driving at eco-protesters

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Three Israeli Hostages Released As Part Of Ceasefire Deal

Abuse suffered by Hamas hostages revealed during their 500 days in captivity

Kaleb Cooper

Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper announces he'll be a a dad for the third time

Elements of the eucharist sacramental bread and sacramental wine.

Non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread cannot be used during holy communion, the Church of England has ruled.

Nelson Way, Chadderton.

Baby girl found dead in Greater Manchester home, with man and woman arrested

Police Scotland vehicle.

Man arrested and charged after attempted murder of police officer

US President Donald Trump

Trump imposes steel and aluminium tariffs, as he doubles down on plan to make Canada 51st state of America

Robbie Williams on Instagram

Robbie Williams pays £20,000 for comedian's iconic glasses and pipe

Garda

Man arrested after several people reportedly stabbed in Dublin

Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Reeves calls for economic growth talks with bank chiefs, after 'Stagflation' warning

Reform UK Holds a Regional Conference In Wiltshire

Farage claims Conservative Party has less than 100,000 members and blasts Kemi Badenoch for calling Reform member numbers 'fake'

Foreign Ministers attend an Arab League extraordinary meeting in Cairo on October 11, 2023.

Egypt to host emergency Arab League summit after Trump announces plan to displace 1.8 million Palestinians and 'take over Gaza'

Jack Fincham.

Love Island star admits to feeling like a 'failure' after spending '£1 million on drugs, alcohol and gambling'

Westminster Abbey and Church House

Church of England meeting at time of ‘unprecedented crisis’ after scandals and historical abuse claims

The plane was forced to make an emergency landing

easyJet flight forced to make emergency landing after pilot collapses on board

Joel Verite was among the first on the scene of the Southport knife attack where three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party.

Southport hero who came face-to-face with Rudakubana as he rushed to save dying girls says it was 'like a horror film'

Labour vows to punish any other MP or minister caught up in Andrew Gwynne WhatsApp group scandal

Second Labour MP revealed as member of offensive WhatsApp group