Arrests made as Insulate Britain protesters glue themselves to M56 road

Insulate Britain protesters were arrested today after blocking roads across the country.

The group said that around around 60 demonstrators descended on junction 23 of the M25 near London, junction 6 of the M56 in Manchester and the A4400 in Birmingham on Tuesday morning.

The London and Manchester roads are part of the strategic road network and covered by a super injunction granted to National Highways last week.

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In Manchester, 11 people were arrested for blocking the M56 close to the airport, near to the South Mimms roundabout.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "A total of 11 people have now been arrested.

Protesters from Insulate Britain blocking a road near to the Holiday Inn Express Motorway Airport in Manchester (PA Media)

"The majority of protesters had glued themselves to the road before being later removed by officers and detained on suspicion of causing danger to road-users (section 22a of Road Traffic Act).

"Disruption was kept to a minimum as officers ensured routes to the nearby motorway and airport weren’t blocked, and all roads in the area have now returned to normal.

"We thank the public for their co-operation despite their understandable frustration."

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, condemned the protests on Twitter.

He said that such demonstrations could distract from the point protesters are trying to make, he said: "I can’t see how this type of protest does anything other than alienate people from the climate cause.

"Have been reassured Greater Manchester police are working to get things moving as soon as possible."

He added: "We need to win much wider public support for climate action. This is doing the opposite."

While the protest was taking place, a spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: "We are aware of protesters gathered on land close to Manchester Airport, which is being handled by Greater Manchester Police.

"There is no impact on our operations but those planning to travel to the airport should take account of this ahead of their journey.

"Anyone with further enquiries should contact the police or Highways England directly."