In the face of mounting dissatisfaction and fury about the tactics of climate protestors, the Metropolitan Police encourage the public not to resort to violence.
Scotland Yard has warned that protestors from Just Stop Oil may cause additional disruptions in the days leading up to Christmas.
The Metropolitan Police has attempted to reassure the public that it is “well equipped” to deal with climate activists and has asked the public not to take matters into their own hands in the face of mounting irritation and resentment about their tactics.
To halt future gas and oil developments, Just Stop Oil protesters have participated in a campaign of direct action, including blocking roads, defacing iconic artworks, and pouring orange paint on buildings.
In response, the government has enacted new measures to crack down on disruptive protests, including the outlawing of “locking on,” despite substantial resistance at Westminster.
The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, will invite police chiefs to Downing Street for a discussion on how to handle the demonstrations, as officers predict two weeks of unrest.
And in response to rumors that prime minister Rishi Sunak may announce a crackdown on such protests, Just Stop Oil stated, “The government can end the disturbance immediately by suspending new oil and gas licenses and consents.”
Met Police commander Karen Findlay stated, “Just Stop Oil has already caused substantial disruption to the general public and motorists on the M25 in London.
“It is our understanding that they intend to cause additional disruptions in London from November 28 to December 14 in the run-up to Christmas. However, we are once more well-prepared.
“We have a highly experienced staff and robust policing mechanisms in place to respond swiftly and effectively to any major disturbances in London.
“We also have cops trained to handle a variety of methods, including sophisticated lock-on devices.”
“We will always attempt to cooperate with protest organizers so that demonstrations can occur safely.
However, Just Stop Oil does not inform the authorities in advance of demonstration locations or participant numbers.
Ms. Findlay continued, “Because their actions are unpredictable and could occur anywhere in the capital, we are deploying more cops to respond, regardless of whether any activity occurs.”
She explained that as a result, officers were prevented from addressing urgent frontline duties, such as combating knife crime and reacting to home invasions.
Ms. Findlay continued, “I fully comprehend the irritation and outrage felt by the people, who are severely interrupted by a relatively small number of protesters and their purposeful tactics.”
“Activists affect the companies and lives of people, whether they are on their way to the doctor, a long-awaited hospital visit, work, interviews, or to pick up their children.”
She promised a “proportionate police response” by stating, “We will respond immediately, handle the situation efficiently, remove and arrest protestors as necessary, and restore order as soon as possible.”
Please do not assume control of the situation.
In October and November, the force arrested 755 Just Stop Oil activists and charged 182.
Ms. Findlay stated, “We are determined to bring to account those protestors who cause disruption or destruction in London.”
To ensure that this occurs, we are collaborating closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.
