A Europe-wide plot to disrupt holidays was thwarted yesterday when Just Stop Oil activists were arrested in seven countries.
The environmental group had planned an “international uprising” with coordinated actions under the slogan “Oil Kills.” However, their efforts were halted following a series of police raids.
Demands for stringent legal actions against the protesters arose, aiming to prevent further chaos during the summer. At Heathrow Airport, seven individuals were detained before reaching the runway, while three others were arrested at different locations.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s apologises as school trousers advertised using alleged racist slur
Authorities reported no operational disruptions. The group, seen with bicycles at the perimeter fence, were apprehended at 9 am under the Public Order Act, suspected of conspiring to interfere with critical national infrastructure. Police seized cutting tools and glue.
Similar arrests occurred in Germany, Norway, Finland, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. This development followed the recent sentencing of Extinction Rebellion’s Roger Hallam and four others, who received up to five years in prison for their motorway blockade campaign in 2022, exposed by Sun.
The latest scheme appeared to be orchestrated from the UK, with Just Stop Oil’s press team issuing a pre-planned release. Two of the arrested individuals were named: Sally Davidson, a 36-year-old hairdresser from Portland, Dorset, and Adam Beard, a 55-year-old gardener from Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Heathrow Airport’s spokesperson confirmed, “Thanks to swift action from the police and airport colleagues, there is no disruption to passenger journeys. We agree that the aviation industry must decarbonize, but unlawful and irresponsible protest activity will not be tolerated.” The Metropolitan Police added, “The arrests prevented significant disruption to the airport and the travelling public.”
Chief Superintendent Ian Howells, who led the operation, condemned the protests as “completely unacceptable” for targeting families on summer holidays. He stated, “This planned action was extremely reckless and posed a real risk to the travelling public. Without these arrests, flights would have been suspended, impacting thousands of passengers and businesses.”
He assured continued cooperation with national police, airport operators, and the aviation sector to prevent such criminal acts. “Anyone compromising airport safety and security will face the full force of the law,” he emphasized.
The upcoming weeks are expected to see 8.9 million Brits traveling for summer vacations. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly criticized the protesters, stating, “Privileged protesters blocking hardworking people from their daily lives need to get a grip. They must realize they aren’t winning support and need to be met with the full force of the law. I commend the officers who helped foil their latest antics.”
In Germany, protesters at Cologne-Bonn airport managed to cut through fences and glue themselves to the tarmac, causing flight diversions before police concluded their operation at 8 am.
In Oslo, Norway, three activists breached Gardermoen airport’s perimeter fence but were quickly removed by police.
In Helsinki, Extinction Rebellion Finland activists attempted to block security gates but dispersed upon police arrival.
In Barcelona, five Futuro Vegetal protesters were intercepted at El Prat airport. Last Generation Austria activists spilled orange paint and held “Oil kills” signs at Vienna airport. In Switzerland, members of two groups blocked roads to Zurich and Geneva airports, resulting in five arrests.
Earlier this year, Just Stop Oil announced plans to target airports, warning of internationally coordinated actions. “Resistance groups across several countries in Europe have agreed to work together,” they stated, predicting that this summer’s actions would be historically significant.
Meanwhile, left-wing figures criticized the recent jail sentences for motorway plotters. Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell described the sentences as “brutally unjust.” Sun’s investigation had led to National Highways obtaining an emergency High Court injunction, but protesters still scaled M25 gantries, causing substantial traffic disruptions and significant costs.
Extinction Rebellion’s Roger Hallam and four others were convicted of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, receiving sentences ranging from four to five years.
READ MORE: Man arrested on attempted murder charge for soldier stabbing
