Just Stop Oil recruit army of new activists for fresh wave of protests

Just Stop Oil has recruited an army of activists for a fresh wave of protests targeting London in the build-up to Christmas.

On Monday, demonstrators walked slowly in the middle of roads in the capital in their latest stunt, but the group are not out on Tuesday because "it was never part of the plan".

Asked if the day off was due to their dwindling numbers or an attempt to get the public on side, a spokesman for Just Stop Oil said: "Many of those who are taking action this week are taking their first steps in civil resistance.

"Support for Just Stop Oil’s demand is growing after our six week campaign of actions in the capital during October and November."

This week's actions are the first from the group since Nov 10, which marked the end of six weeks of continuous disruption.

Just Stop Oil will return to London on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the group said: "No action today. This was never part of our plan. We'll be back in action again tomorrow."

During this period, the police made more than 700 arrests and since the group's campaign began on Apr 1, Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested over 2,000 times, with 27 supporters currently in prison.

It has left organisers having to rethink their strategies.

In previous weeks, protesters climbed gantries on the M25, and it is understood they planned to use this tactic further afield.

But owing to the training required, when the activists were brought down from above the motorways and arrested, with some remanded in custody.

Dartford Crossing pair facing trial

This was the case with the two men accused of climbing a bridge in a Just Stop Oil protest that closed the Dartford Crossing for two days in October.

Drivers were unable to use the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex, after it was blocked when two demonstrators mounted its cables with climbing equipment.

Marcus Decker, 33, of no fixed address, appeared by prison videolink at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday where he denied causing a public nuisance between Oct 16 and 19.

Morgan Trowland, 39, of Islington, north London, did not attend the hearing but the court was told he had indicated a plea of not guilty.

The pair are alleged to have displayed a Just Stop Oil banner from the bridge.

Judge Shane Collery KC said they will stand trial from March 27, giving a time estimate of seven days.

He said a pre-trial review will take place on Mar 13.

Just Stop Oil back out tomorrow

The group will head back out to London on Wednesday after the frustrating scenes on Monday where Met Police officers walking alongside the activists had no power to act, according to a chief inspector.

As the farcical scenes unfolded, Ch Insp Billy Bowen-Long, who helps to lead public order planning for the force, admitted the protest was lawful so officers could not intervene.

Asked whether it had been a good use of police resources, he told MailOnline: "Well it's what we have to do given the intelligence we've got.

"It's an intensive resource but that's where we are at the moment. Weighed up against all the violent crime then no I wouldn't say so.

"We police the law as it is and we have to provide an appropriate response to that, which is what we've done today."

Over the weekend, Scotland Yard had spoken firmly of taking strong action against the protest group, insisting it would respond swiftly and decisively to tackle any unlawful demonstrations.

A Just Stop Oil spokesman said: "People are rightly are asking themselves what is a proportionate response to the absolute betrayal of humanity presided over by our leaders at Cop27?

"Our supporters understand what many have not yet grasped - that no-one is coming to save us.

"As a result they are stepping up to do whatever is nonviolently possible to resist this government’s genocidal policies.

"The government can end the disruption today by announcing an end to new oil and gas licences and consents."