Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fuel Supplies: Environmental Protests

Monday 25 April 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Recent discussions with police forces have aimed to ensure oil depots can supply fuel to petrol stations during environmental protests.
  • The minister acknowledges the right to protest but notes that such actions can infuriate the public and harm the net zero campaign.
  • Irresponsible protests have a particularly unfair impact on self-employed individuals who rely on vehicle access for work.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Policing & Resources Energy Environment
Context

Environmental protests have recently disrupted fuel supplies, causing concern about the ability of petrol stations to remain operational. The MP is querying government measures to ensure supply continuity.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with police forces to help ensure that oil depots are able to supply fuel to petrol stations in the context of recent environmental protests?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

In advance of the recent irresponsible and self-defeating protests, there has been regular engagement with the police, local authorities and industry to ensure that these protests can be managed effectively, and that there is no risk to fuel supply. All fuel supply points are fully operational.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Selous Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Climate
Context

The MP is concerned about the negative impact these protests have on public opinion and self-employed individuals who rely on their vehicles for work. He requests assurance that law enforcement will support lawful citizens.

Question

Does the Minister agree that while the right to protest is a fundamental liberty, this type of behaviour just infuriates the public, whom we need to get on side with our net zero campaign? It is particularly unfair to the self-employed. If they cannot get fuel for their vehicles, they cannot get to work and they do not get paid. Will he ensure that the police and the law stay on the side of the law-abiding, so that everyone can earn an income?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

I certainly will ensure that, and my hon. Friend is right to point out the impact, particularly on those who rely on their vehicles for their work, of these irresponsible and self-defeating protests, many of which have been extremely dangerous. It is worth also reflecting on the other impact, which is that hundreds of police officers are pulled away from policing neighbourhoods across the UK, because forces provide each other with mutual aid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring law enforcement supports lawful citizens was not directly addressed; instead, focus remained on protesting and its broader impacts.

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