JSO ringleader held after Mail reveals ‘plot to target MPs’ homes’
JUST stop Oil’s poster girl has been arrested after the Mail on sunday exposed an alleged plot to target MPs.
Phoebe Plummer, 22, could be seen in handcuffs in Vauxhall, south London, in a video posted to social media by the eco group on Wednesday.
suspected of conspiracy to burgle and of sending a malicious communication, she is seen laughing as officers explain the charges, saying: ‘this is bizarre.’
Detectives launched an investigation into Just stop Oil (JsO) last month after the Mail on sunday exposed an alleged plan
cause nationwide chaos and sabotage General Election by activists to ‘occupy’ MPs’ homes ahead of the general election.
the campaigners had also outlined plans to protest at the offices of politicians and to disrupt speeches and party conferences, the Mos’s undercover probe found.
Detective superintendent sian thomas, leading the Met Police inquiry, said after the arrest: ‘the safety and security of MPs and other elected officials is taken extremely seriously.
‘It is completely unacceptable to target MPs and elected officials at their home address and we will respond robustly to anyone who seeks to undermine our democratic values this way.’
the Mos revealed in a follow-up how activists had circulated a manual to help protesters trace politicians’ homes.
the guide recommended studying photos of MPs clapping for carers during the Covid pandemic, as well as obtaining personal details of politicians’ partners and children.
the JsO manual, which was available on the group’s website, said action might involve breaking windows, throwing paint, occupying properties with banners or placards, letting off stink bombs and deflating car tyres.
After the Mos investigation, a JsO spokesman accused the newspaper of getting ‘in a tizz’ about ‘ordinary people taking the power back’ and described their actions as ‘democracy in action’.
scotland Yard confirmed a 22year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and sending a malicious communication. It said: ‘this followed extensive inquiries by a specialist team of Metropolitan Police service investigators following reports in a national newspaper.’
Ms Plummer, who was raised in a £4 million home near the King’s Road in Chelsea and received a costly private education, was first arrested in October 2022 after throwing tomato soup at Van Gogh’s sunflowers painting at the National Gallery in London.