Around 12 climate activists from Cornwall involved in second protest on M25

Members of Insulate Britain were involved in road blocks on Wednesday morning (15th September)

Author: Emma HartPublished 15th Sep 2021

Climate protestors have staged their second demonstration on the M25 in three days, including around 12 from Cornwall.

Members of Insulate Britain stopped traffic during Wednesday morning's rush hour, causing major tailbacks.

Some sat in the road on Britain's busiest motorway, to demand government action on home insulation.

They targeted Junctions 1a and 1b for Dartford, Kent, the main carriageway between Junction 8 at Reigate and Junction 9 at Leatherhead, Surrey, and Junction 23 for South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Angry drivers could be heard beeping their horns, while videos posted on social media showed some remonstrating with the activists.

The Surrey, Metropolitan, Kent and Hertfordshire police forces made a total of 71 arrests.

This is the second time Insulate Britain members have targeted the M25 in three days.

The group blocked five junctions on Monday, leading to tens of thousands of drivers being stuck in huge queues of traffic and dozens of arrests.

Speaking before that action, 25-year-old Nathaniel Squire, an Osteopath from Redruth said: “Insulating Britain’s homes is a simple step to take to decarbonise Britain. Not only is it a necessary step towards achieving the government's net zero targets but it also helps millions of vulnerable people in Britain.

"Working as a healthcare professional I know that many who struggle due to fuel poverty will only increase as the planet continues to warm unless we do something now. The Insulate Britain campaign is holding the government to account regarding their net zero targets".

Harry Barlow, a 25-year-old, Solar Engineer from Falmouth said: "Although I actively chose a career in the renewable energy sector, I feel like I need to do more to prepare this country for the oncoming effects of climate change.

"I currently don’t feel like the government's efforts to combat climate change are enough. I’m taking part in this action because I believe the government must move faster on combating climate change and reducing CO2 emissions".

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng commented: "These actions are not only highly disruptive to those going to work and transporting vital goods, but are putting lives at risk on a busy motorway.

"Not to mention the resulting traffic delays will only add to vehicle emissions".

AA president Edmund King said: “Whilst most people understand the need to take action on climate change, these motorway blockade tactics are just backfiring as they are alienating the working public stuck in this chaos and subsequently pumping out more emissions".

He added: “Essential deliveries, emergency services, people missing hospital and business appointments are all hit by these blockades".

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