27 Just Stop Oil Supporters Arrested Across England for Plotting Airport Disruptions
A series of police operations resulted in the arrest of 27 climate activist group supporters for conspiring to disrupt national infrastructure by targeting airports over the summer, leading to increased security measures.
In a series of coordinated police operations, 27 supporters of the climate activist group Just Stop Oil were arrested across England on June 28, 2024. The Metropolitan Police reported that arrests were made under a section of the Public Order Act prohibiting conspiring to disrupt national infrastructure, specifically targeting plots to disrupt airports over the summer.
The crackdown came as part of efforts to prevent potential disruptions during the busy holiday period. Arrests occurred in various locations, including London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk, and West Yorkshire. Six individuals were detained at an East London community center during an event promoting airport disruption.
Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, leading the operation, stated that the police took “swift and robust action” to ensure the safety and security of airports. Those released on bail received conditions that restrict them from traveling within one kilometer of any UK airport unless in transit.
In response, a Just Stop Oil spokesperson defended the group’s plans, citing the urgency of addressing climate change and the extreme cases of global heat-related deaths. The arrests have led to heightened security and coordination between the police and airport authorities to prevent any future disruptions.