M25 protests: Judge grants injunction against climate activists

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said ‘invading a motorway is reckless and puts lives at risk’ as he confirmed a judge had granted an injunction against protesters

Protesters targeting the M25 could face possible imprisonment after a judge granted an injunction.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that National Highways had sought the legal ruling, which was granted last night.

Campaign group Insulate Britain has cause chaos by disrupting traffic on the major motorway over the past week.

Surrey Police arrested 38 activists from the group, which targeted junctions 9 and 10 of Britain’s busiest motorway at 7.57am on Tuesday.

Mr Shapps tweeted: “Invading a motorway is reckless & puts lives at risk.

“I asked National Highways to seek an injunction against M25 protestors which a judge granted last night.

“Effective later today, activists will face contempt of court with possible imprisonment if they flout.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the “important injunction” would mean “people can get moving again” on the M25.

“We will not tolerate lives being put at risk,” she said. “Those who continue to do so risk imprisonment.”

Insulate Britain, which is campaigning to improve home insulation, has been involved in demonstrations along the major motorway in Hertfordshire, Kent, Essex and Surrey over the past two weeks.

Insulate Britain confirmed it led the demonstration on Tuesday.

It added that the recent rise in gas and electricity costs has “increased the urgency” for change and it would end its campaign as soon as it hears a “meaningful commitment” to its demands.