COP26: Insulate Britain to put 'something concrete' before government

A protest group wants to “put something concrete” before government at the UN climate summit in Glasgow.

Insulate Britain has blocked highways across the South East of England, including the M25 and the M4, in recent weeks causing widespread disruption and upsetting drivers.

A court injunction was taken out to prevent their blockade of the M25, but demonstrations have continued, most recently on roads across London.

An activist representing the group said no decisions had been made about what specific action would be taken at COP26 in Glasgow yet.

But speaking to BBC Scotland’s The Nine, Bing Jones said: “I can’t tell you what we’re going to do in Glasgow.

“Our main driver is to put something concrete in front of our government.”

Protests by climate activists and campaigners are expected to take place during the climate conference being held on the banks of the River Clyde from October 31 until November 12.

The head of Police Scotland’s operation for COP26 has warned against any attempt to block the Kingston Bridge during the summit.

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins, gold commander for COP26, said any similar demonstrations to those Insulate Britain has held in England would endanger the lives of road users and the protesters themselves.

He said such action in Glasgow would see people taken into custody.

The city is set to see “extreme” traffic disruption as a large area is locked down during the United Nations climate summit.

Routes around the Scottish Exhibition Centre will be closed on the lead-up to the conference as well as during it.

As well as pressure from road users, up to 100,000 people are expected to take part in an activist march on November 6, with other “unofficial fringe activity” possible throughout the twelve days.