Insulate Britain calls halt to blockades during half-term

INSULATE Britain has said that it will suspend its campaign to give themselves and the public “a break” over the half-term holiday.

The group, which has already spent 13 days over the past five weeks blocking roads across England, said that it would stop its blockades until Oct 25, the week before Cop26.

Last night the Government confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that it had identified protesters who had broken its injunctions and was applying to the High Court where members of the group will be served papers for contempt of court that could result in imprisonment.

Insulate Britain yesterday attempted to hand a letter to Boris Johnson explaining its decision to call off protests. However, owing to a lack of proper planning, the group had not received permission to enter gates past Downing Street and was unable to hand the letter to security guards.

Members said they would instead send the Prime Minister an email.

Speaking outside the gates leading to Downing Street, Liam Norton, a spokesman for Insulate Britain, said: “The 10-day pause is just about giving the general public a break, giving the police a break, giving us a break.”

Asked if this was done to coincide with half-term, Mr Norton said: “Yes. It gives Boris Johnson time to calmly assess what we’re asking for.”

Mr Norton also revealed that the group has had no contact with the Prime Minister or civil servants about its demands, or any compromise, and that the first and only time someone involved in government has emailed them was when they were given court injunctions.

The four injunctions, three sought by National Highways and one sought by Transport for London, will be heard in court on Tuesday.

The Telegraph understands that more than a dozen protesters have been identified by authorities as having broken an

Number of injunctions to be heard in court on Tuesday. Three were sought by National Highways and one by Transport for London

injunction, and that more are expected to be found before being taken to court for contempt.

If a judge rules that the defendants are in contempt of court, they could face up to two years in prison or receive a fine.

A government spokesman said: “Insulate Britain’s actions are dangerous and disruptive, and we urge them to call off their reckless campaign for good.

“National Highways is applying to the High Court to take action against the protesters who have broken injunctions, and is working with the police to gather evidence.”