Jo Coles comments on arrests made in connection with planned climate camp

In response to the North Yorkshire Police statement made this morning, 8 August 2024, Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said:

“The Mayor’s office is aware of an organised protest at Drax over the coming days and of the concerns of the environmental protestors due to attend. Over recent weeks we have been working with North Yorkshire Police to ensure the right to a lawful and peaceful protest is maintained as well as ensuring people feel safe and are kept safe.

“North Yorkshire Police have been aware of this planned protest for some time now and have been making preparations. Our police officers work hard every day to keep us safe and will continue to do so during the Drax protests. We ask everyone to respect the job they have to do to uphold the right to protest peacefully, keep the community safe and to maintain public order.”