At least six people have been arrested after environmental activists blocked a number of “key oil” terminals across the country.
The Just Stop Oil group claimed demonstrations are taking place at 10 “critical oil facilities” including Essex, Hertfordshire, Birmingham, and Southampton to demand that the government stops new oil and gas projects in the UK.
It added that the protests could have a “potential impact on fuel supply for London and the South East”.
❗Update❗ 10 key oil terminals have now been blocked by supporters of Just Stop Oil, with a potential impact on fuel supply for London and the South East.
Just Stop Oil are demanding that the UK Government stops new #Oil and #Gas projects!#JustStopOil #EndFossilFuels pic.twitter.com/cJTu0SrBR5
“Fed up with a government burning your future – join us on the road,” the group tweeted.
So far, six protesters have been arrested at three locations in Thurrock, Essex Police said.
The force tweeted: “We are currently dealing with three incidents in #Thurrock, where a group of people are reportedly blocking the roads.
“It is impacting Navigator Fuel Centre, Esso in #Purfleet, and Askew Farm Lane.
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“Drivers are asked to avoid the area.”
Just Stop Oil claimed that more than 30 young people climbed on top of tankers at Navigator Oil Terminal, Thurrock.
Protests taking place in Birmingham
In Birmingham, West Midlands Police confirmed a protest was taking place at a site in Tyburn and officers were dealing with the incident “as quickly as possible”.
The force urged drivers to avoid the area and warned of delays along Wood Lane, Bromford Lane, and Tyburn Road.
Exxon Mobil UK forced to temporarily suspend operations
Demonstrations are also taking place at a number of Exxon Mobil UK sites, the company said, causing operations to be temporarily suspended.
“Small protests are currently underway outside our Hythe, Birmingham and West London fuel terminal,” it said on Twitter.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, our priority is the safety of our people, our neighbours, the protestors and our operations.”
The firm added that it had temporarily suspended operations at the locations mentioned, but its other terminals at Purfleet and Avonmouth were not affected.