Six women arrested following Jackdaw climate protest at UK Government office in Edinburgh

Six women have been arrested after a climate protest saw red paint thrown over the front of the UK Government’s office in Edinburgh.

The front entrance to Queen Elizabeth House was covered in red paint as activists held up banners saying “Just Stop Oil” and “blood on your hands”.

Earlier on Thursday a demonstration against the Jackdaw gas field had been held outside the building.

The new field in the North Sea has been given final regulatory approval by the UK Government but campaigners said they are considering legal action.

Police confirmed on Friday that six women between the ages of 19 and 26 had been arrested and charged in connection with a number of offences.

Two of the women, aged 23 and 26 are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Saturday while the rest have been released to appear at a later date.

Police are continuing their enquiries.

Jackdaw, which is being developed by an affiliate firm of Shell, is located about 250km east of Aberdeen.

Shell said that the site could produce around 6.5% of the UK’s gas output at its peak

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.40am on Thursday, June 2, 2022, police were made aware of a protest on Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh.

“Officers attended and engaged with those present. Six women, aged between 19 and 26, were arrested and charged in connection with a number of offences.

“Two of the women, aged 23 and 26, are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The rest have been released to appear at a later date. Further enquiries will continue today.”