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Andy Burnham responds to Insulate Britain protest as they block motorway by Manchester Airport
The mayor has questioned Insulate Britain’s tactics as they bring traffic on the M56 to a standstill
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said Insulate Britain ‘alienate people from the climate cause’ as demonstrators block the M56.
Videos and photos on social media this morning show demonstrators blocking the carriageway near junction 6 of the M56 near Manchester Airport, with reports suggesting the small number of demonstrators have attempted to glue themselves to the floor.
Mayor Andy Burnham has questioned the group’s tactics, tweeting: “I can’t see how this type of protest does anything other than alienate people from the climate cause. Have been reassured @gmpolice are working to get things moving as soon as possible.”
After being asked what the point of protest is if it doesn’t cause disruption, Burnham responded: “I didn’t say I don’t support protest. I just don’t agree with this type of protest. I want to build the widest possible public support in GM for accelerated action on climate. I think this undermines that.”
Greater Manchester Police officers are at the scene, with the force saying in a statement: “We’re currently responding to a protest on Wilmslow Road (A538), close to Manchester Airport.
“We’re working at the scene to minimise disruption and we’ll provide updates in due course. Delays are expected and we ask people travelling to avoid the area if possible.”
Manchester Airport has also released a statement, which reads: “We are aware of protestors 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.
Insulate Britain
“Anyone with further enquiries should contact the police or Highways England directly.”
Insulate Britain, who campaign for the UK government to put in place policy and funding for a national home insulation programme, started making headlines with their traffic-blocking tactics back in September.
The protesters demand that the government insulate all social housing in the UK by 2025 and retrofit all homes with insulation by 2030, with their website stating: “We demand the Prime Minister and the government to #getonwiththejob, face up to their responsibility and lead our country through the climate crisis.
“We are ordinary British citizens with simple and achievable demands to #INSULATEBRITAIN. The UK government must immediately promise to fully fund and take responsibility for the insulation of all social housing in Britain.”