Insulate Britain protesters glue hands to M25

Insulate Britain has blocked M25 junctions over the last three weeks

Activists from the protest group Insulate Britain blocked part of the M25 for an eighth day in three weeks, causing long queues of traffic.

Supporters glued their hands to the ground at Junction 30 of Thurrock in Essex at about 08:00 BST on Thursday.

Essex Police said officers were able to "quickly re-open" one lane, with all lanes open shortly after 10:00.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and are being held in custody.

Police added: "We know this will be frustrating for people using the road but we appreciate your patience and understanding."

Insulate Britain, which is calling on the government to insulate all UK homes by 2030 to cut carbon emissions, said in a statement: "We are raising the tempo this week as, despite the urgency of the situation, there has been no meaningful response from the government to our demands.

"We are deeply concerned that with rising fuel bills and not enough action on insulation, there will be further unnecessary suffering and deaths among the most vulnerable this winter.

"Failing to help hardworking families, failing to stop poverty fuel deaths, failing to protect the country we love from the biggest threat it has ever faced."

• Why is Insulate Britain blocking roads?

The group added that its actions were "in breach of a High Court injunction" obtained by the government last week.

The injunction means anyone blocking the M25 could be found to be in contempt of court, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or an unlimited fine.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday that "reckless protesters" have "already had knocks on their doors".

He went on: "We are serving papers and those who continue these idiotic, dangerous and counterproductive demonstrations will be caught and face unlimited fines or prison."

Insulate Britain said several activists had been contacted at home in relation to the injunction.