M25 protests: Priti Patel calls activists 'selfish'

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said climate protesters who caused disruption on the M25 this week were "selfish".

She said Insulate Britain activists used "guerrilla tactics" and it distracted "from their cause".

Traffic was stopped on several sections of the motorway on Monday and Wednesday with more than 70 arrested each day.

On Friday, junctions in Kent, Surrey, and Essex have been targeted, plus the M3 in Surrey and the M11 in Essex.

The government said it was offering support for energy efficiency measures in people's homes.

Speaking on Thursday, Ms Patel said: "Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and there will always be space for legitimate groups to make their voices heard.

"But this government will not stand by and allow a small minority of selfish protesters to cause significant disruption to the lives and livelihoods of the hard-working majority.

"The guerrilla tactics used by Insulate Britain detract from their cause and I know the public will agree that the scenes on the M25 this week were completely unacceptable."

On Friday, junction three at Swanley in Kent, junction nine at Leatherhead in Surrey, and junction 28 near Brentwood in Essex, were targeted, plus junction one of the M3.

Surrey Police said it arrested 14 people on the M25 and the carriageway was now clear.

The force said it was made aware of protesters at junction one of the M3 just after 09:00 BST. Ten people were arrested there and were no longer on the carriageway.

Kent Police said the obstruction at the Swanley M25/B2173 roundabout had been reported to them at about 08:20.

One lane was closed and 10 people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway. The road had since been cleared with traffic moving again.

Essex Police said 24 people had been arrested in two areas of the county.

It had been told a group was planning to obstruct the slip road at junction 28 of the M25 at Brook Street so at 08:30 it was "able to intervene and resolve the situation quickly".

The road was blocked for several minutes and 15 people were arrested.

It also received several calls at about 08:45 reporting that a number of people were blocking the on-slip road at junction eight of the M11 where it meets the A120.

There was congestion for about 45 minutes and a further nine people were arrested.

Supt Sam Smith said: "The roads have now reopened and traffic is moving freely.

"I want to thank the drivers affected for their patience and understanding."

On Monday, five junctions were blocked in Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey and at least 77 people were arrested.

Three people suspected of orchestrating the protest were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.

Police forces from several counties arrested protesters on suspicion of obstructing the highway and related offences.

Ch Supt Jerry Westerman, from Surrey Police, said: "I appreciate that these protests have caused considerable inconvenience and frustration and I can assure you that we are continuing to gather evidence and ensure that those who break the law are brought to justice."

Insulate Britain said 89 of its members took part in Wednesday's demonstration.

"We demand credible action now," it said.

In response to this week's protests, a government spokeswoman said it was "investing £1.3bn this year alone to support people to install energy efficiency measures, and our upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy will set out how we decarbonise the nation's homes in a way that is fair, practical and affordable".