JUST Stop Oil activists blocked busy roads in central London this morning as part of a fresh wave of protests demanding that the government stop issuing licences for new oil and gas projects. 

Thirteen activists wearing high-vis vests and carrying orange banners marched slowly onto roads in Shepherd’s Bush and Aldwych at about 8am. Police arrested two people for obstruction of the highway, the group said. 

One of the activists, Bristol charity worker Alex Mackaness, 28, said: “I’d like to ask our leaders what they expect us to do when we hear the UN general secretary tell us that we’re on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator? 

“My message is that we won’t be silenced and we will continue to do whatever is non-violently possible to force the government to end new oil and gas.”

The group launched the action despite reports that Home Secretary Suella Braverman is set to order police chiefs to crack down on its protests. 

Ministers will meet police chiefs in Downing Street towards the end of the week in a bid to quash two weeks of expected action by Just Stop Oil.

Responding to the threats today, a Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: “We will not be intimidated by changes to the law or government posturing on tougher policing tactics. 

“Just Stop Oil supporters understand that this is irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter and the loss of our rights, freedoms and communities. 

“The government can end this disruption tomorrow if they agree to halt new oil and gas licences and consents.”

New anti-protest legislation, currently making its way through Parliament, would criminalise tactics favoured by climate activists, including “locking on,” expand stop-and-search powers and introducing protest banning orders. 

The measures, which are being scrutinised in the Lords, have been condemned by civil liberties groups as “draconian” and “authoritarian.”

Today’s action was the first by the group since November 10, when it ended a six-week campaign of protests.

That round of direct action saw activists repeatedly shut down the M25 motorway that circles London by climbing onto gantries.