Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Protesters: Motorway Disruption

Thursday 19 January 2023 · 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

  • Protesters caused travel disruption and risked lives on motorways last year.
  • The Department worked with National Highways to secure injunctions against protesters.
  • Immediate custodial sentences were given to some Insulate Britain protesters.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Crime & Law Enforcement Transport
Context

Protesters disrupted motorways last year, causing significant travel disruption and safety concerns for police, motorists, and National Highways staff.

Question

What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce disruption on motorways caused by protesters?

Answer from Mark Harper

Irresponsible action last year by a number of protesters put the lives of police, motorists and National Highways staff at risk and caused travel disruption for thousands. That is completely unacceptable, which is why my Department worked with National Highways to secure injunctions allowing a prompt and effective response. The police and National Highways continue to look at lessons that can be learned to deter similar protests. On Monday the Prime Minister announced an amendment to the Public Order Bill giving the police more flexibility and clarity in respect of when to intervene to stop the disruptive minority who use tactics such as blocking roads and slow marching to inflict misery on the public.

Answered
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Q2 Marco Longhi
Crime & Law Enforcement Transport Environment
Context

Left-wing protesters are accused of causing significant disruption to motorway traffic, potentially endangering lives and the economy.

Question

When hypocritical wealthy lefties cut off motorways, they are not just damaging people's jobs and damaging the economy; they are potentially killing people by not allowing ambulances and other blue-light services to pass. Does the Minister agree that we may be able to help them save the environment by locking them up, perhaps with the gas and electricity switched off?

Answer from Mark Harper

We are working closely with council and Home Office officials to ensure that we can follow all legal avenues to pursue those who are arrested for protest activity. The injunctions mean that we can take swifter action. 13 Insulate Britain protesters received immediate custodial sentences ranging from 24 days to six months, and evidence from the gantry protests is being reviewed to support committal proceedings against more than 50 additional protesters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's suggestion about locking up protesters with gas and electricity switched off was not addressed directly by the Minister.

How: Putting The Question In His Own Direct, Inimitable Way

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