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Injunction to Protect the M25
22 September 2021
Lead MP
Kit Malthouse
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Justice & CourtsEconomyTransportClimate
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Kit Malthouse raised concerns about injunction to protect the m25 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
There is widespread anger in the UK due to disruptive protests by climate activists, particularly those who have caused significant traffic delays and disruptions on major highways. On September 13, 15, and 17, a group called Insulate Britain staged coordinated sit-down protests on the M25 and other motorways, resulting in 241 arrests across Surrey, Essex, Thames Valley, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Metropolitan police forces. These actions have cost drivers over £500,000 in delays and disrupted local businesses and essential services. Previous protests by Extinction Rebellion have cost the taxpayer £50 million. The Government has been working closely with the Home Office to address these issues through legislative means such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which aims to increase police powers against disruptive protests. Additionally, an interim injunction has been granted to National Highways by the High Court to prevent further road blockages on the M25, with potential imprisonment or unlimited fines for those who breach it. The minister emphasised that while protest is a right, it must not endanger others or break the law.
Sandra Holliday
Con
Delyn
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government need to do more than just issue an injunction? It is time for some stronger action, including giving police officers the authority they require to deal with protesters who are disrupting our transport networks.
Minister reply
We have already taken swift and proportionate action through the interim injunction, which provides a significant deterrent against unlawful protests. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will further enhance the powers available to the police for dealing with disruptive protests.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
With the Minister’s kind permission, I refer to the tragic death of a young lady who was in a vehicle that had collided with a protestor on the M25. My concern is that this injunction may not be enough; will the Government look into other ways of stopping these protests before they endanger lives?
Minister reply
The interim injunction, alongside enhanced police powers as proposed by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, aims to ensure a robust approach to preventing unlawful protests. We are committed to protecting public safety and maintaining order on our roads.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough
Question
How can the Government support insulation measures for homes as part of its response to climate change, in line with the goals set out by Insulate Britain?
Minister reply
The Government recognises the importance of home insulation in reducing carbon emissions. We are committed to delivering a warm and affordable home through our Warm Homes Discount scheme and other initiatives.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Batley and Spen
Question
The hon. Member expressed her support for police actions in handling recent protests while emphasising the need for lawful protests. She asked about additional resources to assist the police if more arrests are necessary.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the hon. Lady for her support and acknowledged the quick response of affected police forces. He also reiterated that the right to protest is not unqualified, stating that protesters must respect others’ rights. The Minister encouraged review of Labour’s stance on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and expressed frustration at how such protests damage the climate change cause.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
The hon. Member welcomed the Minister's statement and asked if legislation could link fines to economic damages caused by protesters, should injunctions prove ineffective.
Minister reply
The Minister agreed with his hon. Friend’s point about the damage these protests cause. He mentioned that when the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill returns, it will put public nuisance on a statutory footing with a maximum penalty of 10 years. In the meantime, hope remains in the effectiveness of the current injunction.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The Chair of the Home Affairs Committee asked about actions to ensure legitimate and safe protests around COP26.
Minister reply
The Minister welcomed the hon. Lady’s support for the police and acknowledged the need to work on ensuring safe demonstrations during COP26. He mentioned a significant public order operation that includes liaison with protest organisers to facilitate peaceful gatherings.
Robert Syms
Con
Croydon Central
Question
The hon. Member congratulated the Government and National Highways for their actions, emphasising the need to prevent such protests from escalating.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend rightly pointed out the emotional and economic impacts of traffic obstruction caused by these protests, highlighting examples where people were prevented from attending important events or meetings.
Bath
Question
The hon. Member expressed support for police while understanding protesters' concerns about climate change and asked how the injunction would affect policing by consent.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the injunction was granted by an independent judiciary based on significant danger posed to both protesters and other motorists. He assured that this is a matter of rule of law and democratic process, not bullying or blackmail.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
I commend the Minister for his statement and warmly applaud the action he is taking against these eco-maniacs. I have been disturbed at how long it has taken them to remove protesters, especially early protests. May we have an assurance from the Policing Minister that if these eco-maniacs seek to block more local roads they will take urgent and robust action to remove them?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right; this type of protest causes significant concern for many people relying on the roads for their livelihoods. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will strengthen police powers, with an offence of blocking the highway currently in place. However, penalties are weak, so we hope that an injunction carrying unlimited fines or up to two years in prison will serve as a deterrent while awaiting legislation.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Question
I understand the claim is that the purpose is to demonstrate support for home insulation programmes. May I suggest to the Minister that he considers ensuring those successfully prosecuted are sentenced to work helping insulate homes of less fortunate people?
Minister reply
What a splendid idea; we are investing significant amounts—over £1 billion this year alone—to encourage green measures in homes and fight climate change. The Government would be happy for these individuals to help with insulation efforts.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Question
My constituents have had their lives hugely disrupted by actions of these protesters, causing congestion, impacting air quality and driving up pollution. Does the Minister agree that if we are to meet our net zero commitments, we need to win hearts and minds of the whole country to make changes needed? Actions such as this are counterproductive and divide us on climate change.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; we need to engender enthusiasm for science and technology in the British people to solve climate change challenges. This kind of behaviour sets our cause back by years.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
I congratulate the Government on finally taking action against these hypocritical highway hoodlums. Does the Minister share my concern that police seemed in some cases to collaborate with them? What discussions is he having with the police to ensure they do not act on side of protesters?
Minister reply
Happily, it is boys and girls in blue we are seeing on frontline; we need to be careful about drawing wider lessons from specific instances filmed. We are in constant contact with chief constables concerning this issue.
Jo Gideon
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Question
Along with millions of people up and down the country, I welcome move taken by my right hon. Friends; it is good to see common sense prevail. Will Minister join me in welcoming work being done by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to insulate homes? Does he agree that rather than hindering people going about their lives, Insulate Britain protesters should be welcoming important work being done by Government and councils?
Minister reply
Stoke-on-Trent is soon to renamed part of green country for work it is doing. This shows great tragedy of these protests; we are actually making enormous strides in ambition to reach net zero.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Question
It was pleasure to meet constituents as part of Great Big Green Week, discussing challenges of climate change. Will my right hon. Friend consider extending or applying to extend injunction to other parts of highways network such as M23 which serves his constituency and many important businesses?
Minister reply
Of course we will if required; the deterrent effect is hoped for but extended protest means judicial options must be considered while waiting for legislation.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
This injunction is welcome news. Does Minister agree police should adopt zero-tolerance approach and, as soon as one of these morons sets foot on motorway, they should be carted off in electric police van and locked up?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend puts his finger on the button; we are seeing extremely swift action—police arriving within minutes. But where do we want our police officers? We want them in neighbourhoods fighting crime.
Pauline Latham
Con
Mid Derbyshire
Question
I commend Minister for his action. It is about time those people learnt they cannot make unpeaceful protests impacting lives of so many going about daily work. May I ask the Minister to look at M1 and A1, which take people north and are crucial to lifeblood of country? If we do not keep traffic moving, economy will be affected.
Minister reply
We are very alive to possibility of other motorways being affected; if they are, action required. My hon. Friend highlights important point: democratic representatives should repository of those kind views.
Question
We have heard countless examples of people being stopped from going to GPs or hospitals because of protesters. With the NHS under strain, what steps can the Government take to get financial recompense for the NHS from the protesters so that taxpayers are not subsidising eco-extremists?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend expresses pithily the frustration and cost of the protests to wider society. While current legislation does not permit recovery of costs directly, individuals who miss commercial opportunities due to these acts might consult their lawyers to explore compensation options.
Question
Welcoming steps taken by the Government, I ask if all necessary steps will be taken should similar disruptive actions occur on highways such as the M6 or M5, and urge the police to act immediately to remove protesters from public highways.
Minister reply
I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s support. We have made a case exactly as he says, seeking an injunction based on safety concerns. If more action is needed due to worsening situations, we will certainly consider it.
Question
Will the Minister confirm that disruptive and repeated protests are addressed in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and that such injunctions would not be necessary in future?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill provides better powers for the police to manage these sorts of protest while ensuring lawful protests can occur safely, supporting a balanced approach between protesters' rights and public safety.
Shadow Comment
Holly Lynch
Shadow Comment
Labour recognises the importance of tackling climate change and acknowledges the difficulties faced by police in dealing with unlawful protests. While the right to protest is fundamental, it must be conducted within the law. Labour supports the police's operational judgments on how to handle these situations safely and praises their bravery. The shadow welcomed the interim injunction granted to National Highways but urged protesters not to breach court orders and instead engage in lawful forms of activism as suggested by the Minister. She also called for additional resources to support the police if further arrests are required.
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