Protesters Interrupt Commons Hearing on Coronation Policing and Arrests

Environmental activists on Wednesday, May 17, briefly disrupted a hearing examining the policing of King Charles III’s coronation.

Footage shows a protester from the group Just Stop Oil (JSO) rising to speak as Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist answers a question, prompting proceedings to be suspended as MP Tim Loughton rolls his eyes and says, “Oh dear”.

After the meeting resumes, Loughton says, “To be clear, they were Just Stop Oil protesters who tried to undermine the activities of this committee with our witnesses today.”

In a statement, JSO said five protesters, who they said had been arrested on coronation day, were removed from the committee, which was hearing evidence on the arrests of protesters.

Separately, police said eight JSO protesters were arrested at Parliament Square on Wednesday, during a protest calling on the government to “stop licensing new oil and gas projects.” Credit: Home Affairs Committee/parliamentlive.tv via Storyful

Video Transcript

- So in my experience, no, but that doesn't mean that hasn't happened.

- Right. But it's, for you, it would be unusual from the sounds of it.

- For me, I would have been it would have been unusual because normally we see the placards that were attached using cable ties or string or rope or something like that. I mean, these are heavy duty things with-- and the combination lock is part of them. So it sort of links together, and then there's a combination on it. So it would have been unusual, which I think is why it would have aroused suspicion of the officers.

- You usually use a combination lock to stop-- ugh.

- We're here today to speak of democracy.

- Oh dear. Come on. Come on. Come on. No, we're not having this.

- Come on, officer.

- The proceeding is currently suspended.

- All right, we're now back in session.

- To be clear, they were Just Stop Oil protesters who tried to undermine the activities of this committee with our witnesses today.