Insulate Britain protesters have blocked three major routes in London, including the Blackwall Tunnel.

A group of demonstrators sat down on the northbound A102 and glued themselves to the tunnel causing large queues to build up during rush hour.

Insulate Britain said around 50 people were involved in the demonstrations, which have also targeted Hanger Lane, Wandsworth Bridge and Arnos Grove.

It is the 11th such action by the group, which is demanding the government commit to home insulation for 29 millions homes. It has previously targeted the M25, M4, M1 and Port of Dover.

Sky News Correspondent Ali Fortescue spoke to some of the protesters at the Blackwall Tunnell.

Joshua Smith gave up his job as a bricklayer in Manchester to take part in the demonstrations.

He said: “I don’t want to be here, we’ve tried peaceful marches, demonstrations outside parliament, letters to MPs, petitions but everything is ignored, unfortunately when you sit in the road it’s the only time people pay attention”.

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Mr Smith said he will continue protesting until he sees a change.

“The government desperately need to reduce emissions and insulating homes is the most cost effective way of doing that”, he added.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected introduce tougher punishments for climate change activists that cause disruption at this week’s Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

She is expected to warn protestors who block the motorway that they could face unlimited fines and up to six months in jail.

It is also expected that police will be given powers to stop and search activists for “lock-on” equipment used to prevent them from being moved.

Ministers believe the current techniques used by Insulate Britain and its associated punishment – a maximum fine of £1,000 – does not reflect the seriousness of the disruption caused.

On 2 October, the government obtained a fresh injunction banning the group from obstructing traffic and access to motorways and major A roads around London.

The new powers will be introduced by Ms Patel and added as an amendment in the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill, currently going through parliament.

Ahead of her upcoming conference speech, Ms Patel said: “The right to protest is a fundamental principle of our democracy but we will not tolerate guerrilla tactics that obstruct people going about their day-to-day business.

“Whilst the Labour Party stand on the side of these so-called ‘activists’, the Conservative party will always back the law-abiding, hard-working majority of people in this country.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “This government will always stand on the side of the law-abiding majority and ensure the toughest penalties possible for criminals who deliberately bring major roads to a standstill.

“We will give the police the powers they need to stop their reckless and selfish behaviour.”

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