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Just Stop Oil members have been causing huge disruptions on the A22 as they slowly marched down the street at Shepherds Bush Green. Commuters found themselves gridlocked as the activists rushed onto the road with banners urging the Government to halt all new oil and gas licences. The climate organisation has warned they plan to carry out a new round of demonstrations across London in the run-up to Christmas, threatening locals with massive delays.
Police officers could be seen intervening in a bid to remove the protesters from the street to allow traffic to resume.
Activist Hannah Smith hit out at the Government for failing to heed Just Stop Oil’s demands, as she insisted the UK “deserves better.”
Ms Smith said: “Why is the government refusing to listen? The people of this country have had enough, and we deserve better from our leaders.
“Don’t let them convince you that we can’t make change. When we move as a collective, we have power.”
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After facing criticism over slow action on the first round of protests, the Met Police said they are “fully prepared” to avoid disruption in the coming weeks.
In a tweet announcing Just Stop Oil’s plans to stage new demonstrations, the Met wrote on Twitter: “Just Stop Oil activists are planning further disruptive activity from 28 Nov – 14 Dec.
“We’re fully prepared. We will: Arrive quickly. Deal with the situation efficiently. Remove/arrest activists as appropriate. Return things to normal as soon as possible.”
They added: “Since October we’ve arrested 755 Just Stop Oil activists. 182 have already been charged.
“We will continue to work with the CPS and the courts to bring to justice those who cause unacceptable disruption or damage to London.”
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Met Police Commander Karen Findlay said: “Activists are affecting people’s businesses, their lives, whether they are on their way to a doctor, a long-awaited hospital appointment, on their way to work, to interviews, or to collect children.
“Therefore, I again urge Just Stop Oil organisers to engage with us to minimise disruption to Londoners.”
Both Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to press the police to take on a more “robust” approach to removing Just Stop Oil disruptors.
The Prime Minister is believed to have branded it “ridiculous” for protesters to have been able to repeatedly shut the M25 last month as pictures emerged of officers idly standing watch as protesters perched on gantries.
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A senior government source told The Sunday Times: “The Prime Minister is frustrated by the apparent ease with which protesters can cause mayhem for law-abiding citizens trying to go about their everyday lives.
“He has been unequivocal that ordinary people shouldn’t have to suffer at the hands of protesters who are taking advantage of their right to protest peacefully.
“The PM expects the police to exercise the powers they have, crack down on these groups and bring law and order to our streets and roads once again.
Just Stop Oil’s attempts to end new oil and gas projects have prompted frustration after activists repeatedly blocked traffic on the M25.
They have also grabbed attention with stunts including glueing themselves to the frame of a Vincent Van Gogh painting.
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