FOOTAGE from an eco protester who has climbed suspension wires on the QEII bridge this morning has been released.

It can be viewed on Twitter.

Morgan Trowland, 39, is a bridge design engineer from London, who has climbed the bridge, prompting a police operation to close it - causing massive problems for traffic throughout the south Essex and North Kent areas.

He says: "I'm willing to do this 'cos I'm not willing to sit back and see everything burn. Our corrupt politics is causing this disruption."

Whoever is causing it, clockwise traffic on the M25 is being diverted through one of the Dartford tunnels, causing huge tailbacks in both directions.

The two climbers say they plan to stay on the bridge until the government makes a 'meaningful statement' - and the JustStopOil group says the protest will last at least 24 hours.

A statement from Essex Police says: "Our officers are continuing to work to resolve the issue on the Dartford Crossing after two people climbed up onto high cables early this morning.

"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.

advertisement

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

"We want to be clear – our priority is to keep people safe and keep Essex moving.

"We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or things 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."

A statement from the campaign group JustStopOil said: "This is not a one day event, expect us every day and anywhere. This is an act of resistance against a criminal government and their genocidal death project. Our supporters will be returning – today, tomorrow and the next day – and the next day after that – and every day until our demand is met: no new oil and gas in the UK.

"We will not be intimidated by changes to the law, we will not be stopped by private injunctions sought to silence peaceful people. Our supporters understand that these are irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter, the loss of our rights, freedoms and communities. 

"Stand with our supporters in prison, with the 1,700 murdered across the global south, for protecting our futures. We will not die silently, it will be ordinary people, like you, your friends, colleagues and neighbours who do what our government cannot. It will take all of us."