27 Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested on suspicion of planning to disrupt airports this summer, the Metropolitan Police announced on Friday. The arrests were made in various locations across the country, including London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk, and West Yorkshire.
According to the police force, several high-profile members of Just Stop Oil were among those arrested, believed to be key organizers of the planned disruptions. Four individuals were initially arrested on Tuesday at Gatwick Airport and have since been released on bail. On Thursday, six more people were arrested at an east London community centre, where a publicly-advertised event promoting airport disruption was taking place.
Collaborating with eight other police forces, Met officers continued their operation on Friday and arrested 17 additional suspects at their homes across the country. All individuals were arrested under a section of the Public Order Act, which makes it illegal to conspire to disrupt national infrastructure.
Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation, stated, “We know Just Stop Oil are planning to disrupt airports across the country this summer, which is why we have taken swift and robust action now. Our stance is very clear that anyone who compromises the safety and security of airports in London can expect a strong response from officers or security staff.” He emphasized the complexity of airport operations and the importance of working closely with airports, agencies, and partners in this operation.
Those who have been released on bail are subject to strict conditions, including not traveling within 1km of any UK airport unless passing through by vehicle or public transport.
In related news, Sky News has reported that there have been recent discussions within the Democratic Party about the possibility of replacing Joe Biden as their presidential candidate. The 22-year-old British swimmer, who was recently diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, has also made headlines. Last week, Just Stop Oil targeted a private airport where singer Taylor Swift had just landed. In another incident, arrests were made after Stonehenge was sprayed with “orange powder paint”.