The MP for Dartford has said the actions taken by Just Stop Oil protesters on the QEII bridge are “utterly selfish”.

Gareth Johnson hopes the members of the group are "locked up" for causing "traffic misery" to people in and around Dartford. 

It comes as two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the North side of the Dartford Crossing at 5am yesterday.  

This Is Local London: Just Stop Oil protesters on Dartford CrossingJust Stop Oil protesters on Dartford Crossing (Image: Just Stop Oil)

In a statement on Facebook, Gareth said it is "simply wrong" for the group to impose their views on people who are trying to get to work and take their children to school. 

Just Stop Oil said in a statement that two supporters of the group had scaled the structure “to demand that the Government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents”. 

Highways England has said there is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage. 

Today there is approximately six miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing as the bridge remains closed. 

Gareth explained that the actions of the protestors will not fix poor air quality in Dartford, but it will add to the problem. 

His full statement said: “I totally deplore the actions of the protesters at the Dartford Crossing today, which is yet again, causing traffic misery to people in and around Dartford.  

“It is yet another example of how utterly selfish these protesters are. 

“This kind of reprehensible, disruptive action is simply wrong and has no consideration for the general public as well as being counter-productive to their cause. 

 

“It is wrong for this group to impose their views on people who are just trying to get to work and take their children to school. 

“Dartford has poor air quality as it is, and the actions of these people will only add to it.  

“I hope the police are able to bring this incident to a close quickly and the protesters are locked up.” 

According to Just Stop Oil, one of the pair, who climbed the bridge, was 39-year-old, Morgan Trowland, from London. 

Morgan said: “As a professional civil engineer, each year as I renew my registration I commit to acting within our code of ethics, which requires me to safeguard human life and welfare and the environment. 

“Our Government has enacted suicidal laws to accelerate oil production: killing human life and destroying our environment. 

“I can’t challenge this madness in my desk job, designing bridges, so I’m taking direct action, occupying the QEII bridge until the Government stops all new oil.” 

This Is Local London: Just Stop Oil protesters on Dartford CrossingJust Stop Oil protesters on Dartford Crossing (Image: Just Stop Oil)

Another protester, identified only as Marcus, 33, a teacher also from London, said: “Only direct action will now help to reach the social tipping point we so urgently need.” 

A spokesperson for Essex Police said it is their “priority” is to “keep people safe and keep Essex moving”. 

It explained that the force will take action against anyone who “puts life in danger” or thinks they can “selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives.” 

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “The QEII bridge is closed to allow us to resolve the situation as safely as possible and a diversion is in place through the tunnel. 

“This is a complex operation due to the height at which the protesters are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.” 

 “We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or thinks they can selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives. 

“We appreciate your patience and understanding and will keep you updated through the day.” 

National Highways tweeted: "The QEIIBridge at #DartfordCrossing remains CLOSED this morning due to the ongoing protest activity. 

"There is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage. 

"There's still approximately six miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing." 

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