Insulate Britain will suspend campaign to give public 'a break' over half term
Protesters write open letter to Boris Johnson after fighting broke out at latest stunt where demonstrators were dragged away
By Mason Boycott-Owen 14 October 2021 • 8:48pm
Insulate Britain has said that it will suspend its campaign to give themselves and the public "a break" over half term.
The group, which has already spent 13 days over the last five weeks blocking roads across England, said that it will stop its blockades until October 25, the week before Cop26.
On Thursday night, the Government confirmed to The Telegraph that it had identified protesters who had broken its injunctions and are applying to the High Court where members of the group will be served papers for contempt of court where they could face imprisonment.
A member of Insulate Britain reads a letter to Boris Johnson before attempting to hand it in at 10 Downing Street Credit: Aaron Chown/PA
A member of Insulate Britain attempts to hand in a letter to the Prime Minister at Downing Street Credit: Aaron Chown/PA
Insulate Britain on Thursday attempted to hand a letter to Boris Johnson explaining their decision to call off their protests.
However, due to a lack of proper planning, the group had not got permission to enter gates past Downing Street and were unable to hand the letter to security guards.
The group said that they will 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."
BREAKING | Climate group Insulate Britain has announced it will 'suspend its campaign of civil resistance' until Oct 25.
Here is the open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. pic.twitter.com/2YY26Pq8Lj
— Gareth Davies (@GD10) October 14, 2021
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 their demands, or any compromise, and that the first and only time someone involved in the Government has emailed them was when they were handed court injunctions.
The four injunctions, three sought by National Highways, and one sought by Transport for London, will be heard in court on Tuesday.
'Can we just cut him off because I'm actually bored of him now - he won't answer my question'
Mercy Muroki clashes with Liam Norton, spokesman for Insulate Britain, for failing to justify the environmental group's actions in the face of the government's green agenda. pic.twitter.com/rIzRXBYYV4
— GB News (@GBNEWS) October 13, 2021
The Telegraph understands that more than a dozen protesters have been identified by authorities as breaking an injunction, and that more are expected to be found before being taken to court for contempt.
If a judge finds that the defendants are in contempt of court for breaking the injunction, they could face up to two years in prison, or receive a fine.
A UK Government spokesperson 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 protestors who have broken injunctions, and is working with the police to gather evidence.
"Those that breach the injunctions will be served with court papers and can face imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine."
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