Insulate Britain in stand-off with lorry drivers on major London road

Insulate Britain in stand-off with lorry drivers on major London road
The frustration from commuters is absolutely
Samantha Haynes

By Samantha Haynes


Published: 13/10/2021

- 11:12

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:36

Climate activists cause 'absolute chaos' in protest on London commuter road says GB News' Alice Porter

GB News London reporter Alice Porter described the climate campaigners protest in the East of London as "absolute chaos".

Around 20 protesters blocked the junction to St Clements Way and London Road, in Thurrock, forcing multiple vehicles including HGVs to stop and turn round.


Insulate Britain staged a protest at Queen Elizabeth Bridge, wearing high-vis jackets and blocking three major roads in Essex commuter belt area.

Insulate Britain blocking the M25 at junction 31, near to the Dartford Crossing in Thurrock, Essex.
Insulate Britain blocking the M25 at junction 31, near to the Dartford Crossing in Thurrock, Essex.
Insulate Britain

The protest angered commuters, impacting lorry drivers who blasted their horns repetitively.

Clashes ensued between protesters and angry motorists on Wednesday morning, with demonstrators being dragged out of roads near a busy industrial estate in Essex.

Members of the public got out of their cars to confront protesters, who lay down in the roads in front of them.

Some were physically dragged out of the road but immediately returned, only to be dragged away again by the frustrated drivers.

Handout photo issued by Insulate Britain of protesters from Insulate Britain blocking the M25 at junction 31, near to the Dartford Crossing in Thurrock, Essex. Picture date: Wednesday October 13, 2021.
Insulate Britain of protesters from Insulate Britain blocking the M25 at junction 31, near to the Dartford Crossing in Thurrock, Essex.
Insulate Britain

Drivers said to GB News that "they have a business to run" and were "trying to just go about their day".

Other commuters were seen spitting at the protestors as lorry drivers honked their horns.

GB News' Alice Porter said "this is the first time we've seen police here, and as I said earlier it's an incredibly dangerous situation" as police arrived at the protest later in the morning".

Further arrests have been made after members of Insulate Britain blocked roads for a thirteenth time, despite injunctions granted by the High Court.

Responding to the incident, Essex Police said: “We are currently on scene and have made arrests following reports of people blocking the slip road of the M25 in Thurrock.

“We received reports of people on the road at Junction 31 shortly after 8.25am today.

“Officers were at the scene within five minutes and are currently working to resolve the situation quickly and safely. Arrests have been made.

“We know this will be frustrating for people caught up in traffic but we appreciate your patience and understanding.”

Insulate Britain, an offshoot of environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion, has now staged similar protests 13 times.

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