London Police attempting to control Just Stop Oil protests
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The Metropolitan Police make an urgent call to Just Stop Oil protestors as arrests in the capital reach 657 and at a total cost of £19.9 million.
Senior Officer Commander Kyle Gordon says the police want to work with JSO asking them to “reach out and speak to us”. He mentions that he would much rather the money and resources be spent in communities.
This autumn alone, the policing of the protests is costing the force £3.5m and 10,500 officers are being taken away from their regular stations. Mr Gordon said the resources “could be far better spent tackling issues in our communities and keeping them safe”.
Legislation under The Public Order Act in May of 2023 made it illegal to interfere with national infrastructure. Also referred to as the anti-protest bill this led to 657 JSO arrests in October. The highest number of arrests ever made in response to a mass disruption.
Gordon says he and the police understand and fundamentally support the right to protest. Yet, says that except from just naming the protests, they take place “to cause maximum disruption to people across London”.
Prioritising Londoners, the police want to consider their rights to go about their daily lives. Overall, Gordon is hoping to create a line of communication with the eco activists to stop future disruption and arrests.
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HeadlineJust Stop Oil protest arrests cost the Metropolitan Police nearly £20 million
Short HeadlineProtests cost the Police nearly £20m
StandfirstMetropolitan Police call on Just Stop Oil to work with them as it is revealed the protests take up vital police resources.
The Metropolitan Police make an urgent call to Just Stop Oil protestors as arrests in the capital reach 657 and at a total cost of £19.9 million.
Senior Officer Commander Kyle Gordon says the police want to work with JSO asking them to “reach out and speak to us”. He mentions that he would much rather the money and resources be spent in communities.
This autumn alone, the policing of the protests is costing the force £3.5m and 10,500 officers are being taken away from their regular stations. Mr Gordon said the resources “could be far better spent tackling issues in our communities and keeping them safe”.
Legislation under The Public Order Act in May of 2023 made it illegal to interfere with national infrastructure. Also referred to as the anti-protest bill this led to 657 JSO arrests in October. The highest number of arrests ever made in response to a mass disruption.
Gordon says he and the police understand and fundamentally support the right to protest. Yet, says that except from just naming the protests, they take place “to cause maximum disruption to people across London”.
Prioritising Londoners, the police want to consider their rights to go about their daily lives. Overall, Gordon is hoping to create a line of communication with the eco activists to stop future disruption and arrests.
