No 10 berates Chris Packham for ‘irresponsible’ Just Stop Oil comments | Environmental activism

Downing Street says BBC presenter Chris He accused Packham of being “irresponsible”.

Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said police considered these demonstrations to be “coercive” and would use police powers to attack demonstrators under police arrangements agreed last week. Ta.

Last week, the Prime Minister called on those taking part in a series of large-scale protests across the UK since the outbreak of the Middle East war not to allow extremist “mob rule”, saying it was a threat to the country. he warned. Take over their march.

Several members of the House of Commons have spoken out about increased abuse and intimidation since the latest conflict began in October, with three female members receiving taxpayer-funded bodyguards and cars. is believed to have been given.

Mr Packham, 62, defended the right of environmental activists to target MPs’ homes as long as the action was “peaceful and non-violent”.

“Basically, we need a radical side, and Just Stop Oil is seen by a lot of people as that radical side, so I think we need a portfolio of protests,” he said. told Times Radio on Monday.

“These are people who, in some people’s minds, are a step too far. And it may be standing outside a member of Congress’ house. But in reality, like me, They too are motivated by obvious fear for our future health.

“Science tells us we have to act. These people fear for my future, your future, and the future of any children they may have. We need to pay attention to it.”

He added: “If this is a peaceful, non-violent demonstration then we British people must retain the right to protest, despite significant recent changes to the law. No. We have laws and they must apply equally to everyone.”

Just Stop Oil has already staged protests outside the homes of Mr Sunak and Labor leader Keir Starmer. Last summer, Greenpeace activists climbed onto the roof of the Prime Minister’s home in his Yorkshire constituency to protest his support for a major expansion in North Sea drilling.

Ministers are considering restricting the association of MPs and MPs with protest groups and creating an anti-extremism team within Level Up.

Mr Sunak’s official spokesperson said on Monday: “It is clearly irresponsible to encourage people to protest at an MP’s home address.” “This is precisely why the Democratic Policing Deal agreed last week to consider protests at the homes of MPs to be coercive and for police to use their powers to move protesters away from MPs.

“We have seen examples of threats that families have received, whether at Tobias Ellwood’s home surrounded by demonstrators or at the constituency offices of other MPs. We have seen examples where this cannot be done and the public is right to expect police to deal with this type of behavior.”

Mr Packham added in a radio interview: “Just Stop Oil wants their T-shirts. They want a fast and fair energy transition from fossil fuels to a healthy renewable energy system, and they need to get that message across. I am desperate to do so. I therefore support a wide range of protests.

“That doesn’t mean you and I have to go and stand outside Parliament House. I have a fully democratic legal approach available to me as a British citizen. But yes, I We’re on the same sheet.”