Insulate Britain activists who have blocked parts of the M25 five times in a week could face jail, warns Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Many of these arrested have been released – only to return to the protest.

Now, the Department of Transport (DoT), has obtained an injunction to try to halt the problem.

Repeat offenders could be held in contempt of court.

Mr Shapps posted to Twitter:

“Invading a motorway is reckless and puts lives at risk.

“I asked National Highways to seek an injunction against M25 protestors which a judge granted last night.

“Effective later today, activists will face contempt of court with possible imprisonment if they flout.”

The Home Secretary Priti Patel added:

“This important injunction means people can get moving again on the M25.

“We will not tolerate lives being put at risk.

“Those who continue to do so risk imprisonment.”

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said:

“The police aren’t anti-protest but we are pro-responsibility.

“This is not a benign supermarket car park that this is taking place on.

“Probably the people most likely to come to harm at the moment are police officers who are having to run across motorways to try to remove protesters as well as ironically keep them safe from themselves.”

Insulate Britain spokeswoman Zoe Cohen said:

“The people taking part in these actions understand that the risks they are taking are because that we have tried everything else to make the Government protect us from the predicted impacts of climate chaos.

“That involves the loss of all that we cherish, our society, our way of life, law, and order.

“We’re calling for the installation and whole house retrofitting of social housing by 2025 and all homes by 2030, because this is the most effective way to reduce emissions, save lives from fuel poverty.”