LONDON (Reuters) – British government ministers met with police and organisers of major sports events on Wednesday to increase efforts to prevent disruption from environmental protesters over the summer.
The meeting came as Just Stop Oil activists twice interrupted play at Wimbledon. The environmental group have also disrupted the second Ashes cricket test at Lord’s as well as the Premiership Rugby final and the World Snooker Championship.
This year’s Grand National horse race was also disrupted after animal rights activists attached themselves to fences.
“We must protect the right to peaceful protest, but that does not give licence to a vocal minority to spoil events that millions of us enjoy,” Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said.
“Anyone thinking of attempting to disrupt these events should think again.”
Interior minister Suella Braverman made clear the government will support police and event leaders to prevent protesters from frustrating fans and competitors, her office said, adding that police had updated attendees on preparations at others events, including intelligence-gathering to foil activists’ plans.
The Lawn Tennis Association, the soccer Premier League, British Horseracing Authority and Silverstone Circuits were among the 15 national sports bodies and event organisers who attended, the government said.
The British Grand Prix is due to take place at Silverstone on Sunday.
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Mark Heinrich)
