Twenty-seven Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested on suspicion of planning to disrupt airports this summer, the Metropolitan police have said.
Arrests were made in London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk and West Yorkshire, the force said.
The supporters were arrested under a section of the Public Order Act that makes it illegal to conspire to disrupt national infrastructure. “Among those held were several high-profile members of Just Stop Oil who we believe to be key organisers,” police said.
On Tuesday, Scotland Yard said four people were arrested after being identified at Gatwick airport and released on bail. A further six people were arrested at an east London community centre “as part of a publicly advertised event promoting airport disruption”.
Met officers then worked with more than eight police forces across the country to arrest suspects at their homes across the country, arresting another 17 people on Friday.
In a statement, Just Stop Oil said: “Supporters are deeply committed to protecting their families and communities from the tyranny of fossil fuels. If our government refuses to do what is right to protect humanity, then people will step up to do what needs to be done. We refuse to die for fossil fuels and we refuse to stand by while millions are murdered.
“We demand that our government stops the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030 and that they support and finance other countries to make a fast, fair and just transition.”
Ch Supt Ian Howells, who led the operation, said: “We know Just Stop Oil are planning to disrupt airports across the country this summer which is why we have taken swift and robust action now Our stance is very clear that anyone who compromises the safety and security of airports in London can expect a strong response from officers or security staff.
“Airports are complex operating environments which is why we are working closely with them, agencies and other partners on this operation.”
All those released on bail are subject to conditions, which include not travelling within 1km of any UK airport unless passing through by vehicle or on public transport. Anyone suspected of breaching this condition can be arrested immediately.