UK Police detain 27 climate activists over airport protests

• Four were arrested at Gatwick Airport and released on bail.
• Six more were arrested at an east London community center and 17 were arrested at their homes.
• Met Chief Superintendent Ian Howells stated swift action was taken due to Just Stop Oil’s plans to disrupt airports.

On Friday, UK police announced the arrest of 27 climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group on suspicion of planning to disrupt airports in the coming months. The Metropolitan Police stated that they had taken “swift” action in a nationwide operation.

Police arrested the 27 climate activists on suspicion of conspiring to disrupt national infrastructure. Authorities detained four people at Gatwick Airport on Tuesday and released them on bail.

On Thursday, police arrested six more people, including “key organizers” of the Just Stop Oil group, at an east London community center. Metropolitan Police officers, collaborating with other police forces around the country, arrested 17 more people at their homes on Friday.

“We know Just Stop Oil are planning to disrupt airports across the country this summer which is why we have taken swift and robust action now,” said Met Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation.

“Anyone who compromises the safety and security of airports in London can expect a strong response from officers or security staff,” he added.

Those released on bail have been instructed not to travel within one kilometer of any UK airport unless passing through by vehicle or public transport.

Just Stop Oil demands that the UK government cease all new oil and gas exploration and has vowed to continue its protests until this demand is met.

Its activists have staged stunts at numerous high-profile events over the past year, including the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the British Open golf tournament, art galleries, and museums.

[eembedpost slug=”uk-police-make-fourth-arrest-in-response-to-migrant-deaths-off-frances-coast/”]