Insulate Britain: Activists tell drivers to avoid M25

Despite being legally banned from blocking any strategic road in the whole of England, the group is set to defy the order.

This morning, the M25 was declared by Insulate Britain a site of "non-violent civil resistance" with protests set to begin from 7am on Wednesday (October 27).

The organisation hasn't said where on the M25 they plan to demonstrate.

The motorway has already been targeted numerous times over the last few weeks, including at junctions in Hertfordshire.

Insulate Britain protesters at junction 20 in Hertfordshire in September. Credit: LBC

Ahead of the mooted demonstrations, Insulate Britain has requested drivers do not use the M25, or if they do, speeds are reduced to 20mph to "minimise the risk of accidents".

The group has called on the highway agency to "enforce the 20mph speed limit" on the 70mph carriageway and also requested the police "refuse to arrest them" - but said it will "ensure that emergency 'blue light' access is maintained".

The organisation added: "By refusing to insulate Britain's homes, our government is also condemning thousands to death through fuel poverty this winter, while countless families will once again be cold and hungry."

Protest at junction 23 for the M25 in September. Credit: LBC

Insulate Britain acknowledged the "inconvenience and irritation" it is causing to the public, but said: "We ask that you understand that the days of disruption are necessary to force a government to fulfill its most basic of duties to protect and defend its people. Insulate Britain considers the UK Government to be in treasonous betrayal of this country."

Insulate Britain added: "We are not concerned with endless injunctions. We are not concerned with our fears. We are concerned with fulfilling our duties and responsibilities at this 'period of consequence'."

Protest near the A1 in Hatfield. Credit: PA

Yesterday, the Department for Transport said the High Court had granted an interim injunction against the climate change demonstrators who cause disruption on "any part of the strategic road network in England".

The new injunction, secured by National Highways, bans protesters from obstructing traffic and prevents access to 4,300 miles of motorways and major A roads, according to the Department for Transport.

It also prohibits activists from gluing themselves to the road, damaging the road surface and abandoning their vehicles.

Insulate Britain protesters who breach the injunction could be in contempt of court and face imprisonment and an unlimited fine, the department said.

Insulate Britain are back, risking lives & ruining journeys. 3 specific injunctions are already in place, but today I instructed @NationalHways to apply for an injunction covering the entire strategic road network - tonight this has been granted on a temp basis by the High Court.

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 25, 2021

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted Insulate Britain is "risking lives and ruining journeys".

He added: "The long term solution lies in changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, giving additional powers against disruptive protests which target critical national infrastructure. This includes unlimited fines & prison sentences of up to 6 months for obstructing highways."

More than 100 activists have already been served with court papers in relation to these orders.

Duncan Smith, acting executive director of operations at National Highways, said: "This new injunction covering the strategic road network across the country is another step forward in helping to keep these reckless and dangerous protests away from our network and endangering peoples’ lives.

"We continue to serve court papers on those who have breached the previous injunctions."