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M25 protests: Police break up Insulate Britain activists for FOURTH time in a week

Police dragged Insulate Britain activists off the M25 to make arrests after they attempted to block the busy motorway for a fourth time on Monday morning.

Activists stepped out onto slip roads and the motorway carriageway itself in a number of locations including Dartford and Chorleywood, in a coordinated protest at 7am.

They said they poured blue paint onto the road, so it will require cleaning and add more disruption for motorists.

Kent Police put on a show of force and moved swiftly to arrest the activists after being criticised for being too lenient at protests last week.

In Chorleywood, reports said that Hertfordshire Police managed to break up the M25 protests in under half an hour.

The force said they made 29 arrests at junctions on the M25 and A1M.

Officers were called to near junction 18 of the M25 near Chorleywood and near junction 4 of the A1M at Stanborough as many of the Insulate Britain demonstrators glued themselves to the road.

Chief Superintendent Nick Caveney said: "Protesters have made it clear that they intend to continue causing disruption. Not only is purposely blocking a highway incredibly dangerous, it also affects thousands of members of the public who are stuck in delays as a result.

"We have robust plans in place in order to minimise any disruption and to allow us to make arrests as quickly as we possibly can. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring areas that have been identified as possible protest targets.

"Officers were on the scene within minutes of being alerted to protest activity, allowing us to put diversions in place to ease the traffic and to make numerous arrests. All protesters involved in this morning's protests have been arrested and will be taken to custody.

"We are working closely with other affected forces to ensure that any further activity is dealt with effectively and efficiently.

"I understand and appreciate the frustration regarding the considerable delays and inconvenience that has occurred as a result of the protests.

"We have now made a total of 76 arrests in relation to protest activity across Hertfordshire over the last week. Please be assured that a full investigation is under way, and we are in the process of gathering evidence in order to ensure that those breaking the law are brought to justice."

The campaign group said many of those blocking the roads on Monday have participated in all four actions to date.

They have said they will only stop the disruptions when the government makes a meaningful commitment to insulate all of Britain’s 29 million “leaky” homes by 2030, and all social housing by 2025.

The latest protests came after a son said his mother was now paralysed after suffering a stroke and being stuck in traffic for six hours on the way to hospital.

“I was doing a mission of mercy to help my mother,” Chris told LBC’s Andrew Pierce.

“I was there with my mother for six hours watching her slip away, and I could do nothing.”

“When we got her to the hospital, the doctors said if we were to have gotten to them within 90 minutes, her symptoms, her recovery would have been minimal.”

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Monday, Natalie Bennett, the former Green Party leader, said: “My greatest sympathies go to him and his mum and I wish them all the best.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has criticised climate protesters disrupting the M25 said the protests were “irresponsible and dangerous”.

He added: “It’s completely counterproductive as well because they’re actually creating the pollution they want to get rid of by having cars standing still, so there’s no justification for that kind of action.”

Asked if he wants the police to make a more robust response to the demonstrations, Mr Shapps said: “The police will have to work out their approach and tactics, but it’s not right for our roads to be blocked for illegal protests like this to take place, and for it to happen repetitively.

“I’ve no doubt at all the police will want to learn from their experience and make sure they’re able to step in more quickly and efficiently.”

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