Oil protesters to face a year in prison under new law
Priti Patel is set to urge MPs to back a new Public Order Bill granting greater powers to jail members from groups such as Just Stop Oil
Oil protesters could face a year in prison under new powers to tackle climate activists blocking refineries and gas plants.
Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, will urge MPs on Monday to back a new Public Order Bill, granting greater powers to jail members from groups such as Insulate Britain, Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil.
Raids on oil depots over the past three months in Birmingham, Essex and Scotland - with protesters tunnelling under terminals and cutting the brakes on tankers - have cost the taxpayer £5.9 million so far.
The new Bill will propose a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both to those found guilty of "interference with key national infrastructure".
The offence of 'locking on' - chaining or tying oneself to large objects while obstructing major roads and the entrances to public buildings - will also carry a six month imprisonment or unlimited fine.
Insulate Britain was widely condemned for repeatedly using this "guerilla tactic" on the M25 and other motorways between September and November last year, to the cost of £4.5 million.
The Bill will grant Metropolitan police commanders the power to authorise what time protests should finish and the routes they can take.
The Home Secretary is expected to tell the House of Commons on the second day of the Bill’s reading: "From Day One, this Government has put the safety and interests of the law-abiding majority first… but recently we have seen a rise in criminal, disruptive, and self-defeating tactics - from a supremely selfish minority.
"Their actions divert police resources away from the communities where they are needed most… and we are seeing parts of the country grind to a halt… This is reprehensible behaviour and I will not tolerate it."
Extinction Rebellion protests between April and October 2019 saw activists strip down to their underwear and glue themselves to the glass in the House of Commons viewing gallery, along with blockading Oxford Circus with gazebos and trees.
The Home Office said their disruption cost taxpayers £37 million.
Ms Patel will add on Monday: "I will not stand by and let antisocial individuals keep causing misery and chaos for others. The Public Order Bill will empower the police to take more proactive action to protect the rights of the public to go about their lives in peace.
"However passionately one believes in a cause, we do not make policy through mob rule in this country… I will not be deterred from backing the police and standing up for the law-abiding majority, and that’s what the Public Order Bill does."