In East London, six people were arrested at a Just Stop Oil meeting, with some suspected of being key organizers for the climate protest group, according to the Metropolitan Police. The arrests occurred on Thursday evening under a new section of the Public Order Act, which makes it illegal to conspire to disrupt national infrastructure projects.
The Met Police stated that they believe some of those in custody are central figures within Just Stop Oil. The police also said they anticipate the group planning to disrupt airports and impact thousands of holidaymakers this summer.
A video posted by Just Stop Oil on social media shows officers entering a room and informing those present that they were being detained. In the video, one woman being arrested can be heard saying, “I’ve come here for soup.” Another officer is seen telling a handcuffed man, “By taking part in the organization of this event this evening, I suspect that you are taking part to plot to cause serious disruption to UK airports.” The video also shows another person being arrested in the hallway of a house as officers searched their pockets.
Just Stop Oil described the police action as a “raid on a soup night,” claiming that one of the arrested individuals was staying with their parents at the time.
In response to the arrests, the Met Police stated, “We continue to work with airport operators and others to prevent significant disruption. Activists do not have the right to commit criminal acts that may also endanger themselves and others. Anyone who disrupts the safety and security of an airport can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
The recent crackdown follows an incident last week where two women were charged with criminal damage and other offenses after Just Stop Oil activists sprayed private jets with orange paint at Stansted Airport. The damage caused by this act was estimated to exceed £5,000. Essex Police confirmed that the private jet of pop star Taylor Swift, which had landed at Stansted hours before, was not present during the incident.
Just Stop Oil has been active in climate protests, aiming to draw attention to the need for immediate action on climate change. Their methods have included high-profile disruptions, such as blocking roads and targeting infrastructure. The group’s actions have sparked debate on the balance between protest rights and public safety.
The Metropolitan Police are taking these threats seriously and are committed to preventing any planned disruptions. This latest raid highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement and climate activists, as both sides prepare for a potentially disruptive summer.