PM praises Bairstow for tackling Just Stop Oil protester at Ashes check
The Prime Minister hailed the England wicketkeeper’s “swift hands” and the actions of Ben Stokes’ group in stopping a protracted stoppage within the recreation.
Three individuals have been arrested and brought into custody after Wednesday’s pitch invasion, the Metropolitan Police mentioned.
The local weather change group has been staging day by day protests since April 24, disrupting high-profile occasions just like the Chelsea Flower Show, the Gallagher Premiership rugby remaining at Twickenham and the World Snooker Championship, in addition to holding day by day gradual marches on main London roads.
Mr Sunak’s official spokesman mentioned: “These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the Government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action.
“The Prime Minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in.”
Just Stop Oil’s actions have led some annoyed motorists to take issues into their very own palms in the identical manner as Bairstow, however Downing Street mentioned the scenario at Lord’s was an uncommon one and coping with protests ought to normally be left to the police.
England’s Jonny Bairstow carrying a Just Stop Oil protester off the pitch throughout day one of many second Ashes check match at Lord’s (Mike Egerton/PA)
/ PA Wire“There is a reason we empowered the police to take action and that’s what we see day-to-day,” Mr Sunak’s spokesman mentioned.
“Obviously these were unusual circumstances.”
Two individuals have been seen being put into the again of a police van exterior the London floor after the on-pitch drama.
Just Stop Oil is looking for an finish to all new coal, oil and fuel tasks within the UK.
A spokesperson mentioned: “Cricket is an important part of our national heritage, but how can we enjoy England vs Australia when much of the cricketing world is becoming unfit for humans to live in?
“We can no longer afford to distract ourselves when the sports we play, the food we eat and the culture we cherish is at risk.
“It’s time for cricket lovers and all those who understand the severity of this situation to get on to the streets and demand action from this illegitimate, criminal Government.
“When our children ask us, ‘What did we do?’ to avert this crisis, we better have a good answer.”
The group mentioned a 69-year-old grandmother referred to as Judit was a kind of arrested.
On Monday, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist informed LBC that policing the motion has price £5.5 million since April, on high of the £7.5 million spent policing the sequence of protests Just Stop Oil staged between final October and December.
Earlier this month, protest legal guidelines have been tightened as much as permit officers to intervene earlier when protesters are marching within the highway, forcing them on to the pavement the place disruption is felt to be greater than minor.
The Ashes pitch invasion will not be the primary time Bairstow has needed to cope with disruption to play.
In 2021, throughout the fourth check in opposition to India on the Oval, YouTube prankster Jarvo ran on to the pitch and collided with an unsuspecting Bairstow.
Jarvo, whose actual identify is Daniel Jarvis, was discovered responsible of aggravated trespass and given a suspended jail sentence.