Rishi Sunak to announce that cops will be able to tackle climate protesters before they wreak havoc

COPS will be able to speedily tackle climate protesters before they wreak havoc on the public, Rishi Sunak will announce.

The PM also wants to close a loophole that lets eco zealots like Just Stop Oil get away with “slow-marching” tactics that cause chaos for drivers.

Police have been crying out for clearer rules over when they are allowed to break up disruptive demonstrations.

Ministers will today table an amendment to the flagship Public Order Bill to let officers intervene sooner.

In November, Trending In The News highlighted the importance of early action by alerting police to a plot to block the M25.

As a result, protesters were foiled within an hour of scaling Dartford Tunnel gantries.

Mr Sunak said: “We cannot have protests conducted by a small minority disrupting the lives of the ordinary public.

“It’s not acceptable and we’re going to bring it to an end.

“The police asked us for more clarity to crack down on these guerrilla tactics, and we have listened.”

The legal definition of “serious disruption” will be broadened, and police will more easily be able to treat repeat protesters as serial offenders.

Met chief Sir Mark Rowley said: “It is clear that everybody has the right to protest.

“Increasingly, however, police are getting drawn into complex legal arguments about the balance between that right to protest and the rights of others to go about their daily lives free from serious disruption.”

The College of Policing is producing fresh guidance so officers are crystal clear on what action they can take.

Meanwhile, a Labour donor yesterday bragged about giving cash to eco militants.

Dale Vince told Trending In The Newsday Times: “I believe in Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. I don’t agree with all of their tactics, but I don’t have to.

“They are bringing focus and attention to a really important topic.”