Boris Johnson is to rush through laws to stop protesters from blocking motorways, as he declares his determination to defend the interests of the 'law-abiding majority'.
Under the planned new legislation, activists who bring vital transport arteries to a standstill will face up to six months in prison or unlimited fines.
The move follows complaints from the police that they have lacked sufficient powers to stop eco-protesters from the Insulate Britain group from bringing some of the country's arterial roads such as the M25, M1 and M4 to a standstill.
Some drivers have been stranded in gridlock while taking relatives to hospital or transporting vital supplies.
Boris Johnson (pictured) is to rush through laws to stop protesters from blocking motorways, as he declares his determination to defend the interests of the 'law-abiding majority'
The Prime Minister said last night: 'This Government will always stand on the side of the law-abiding majority and ensure the toughest penalties possible for criminals who deliberately bring major roads to a standstill.
'We will give the police the powers they need to stop their reckless and selfish behaviour.
'The right to protest is sacrosanct, but there is no right to inflict chaos and misery on people trying to go about their lives.'
Mr Johnson outlined his hardline stance as he arrived at the Tory Party conference last night against the backdrop of the separate road chaos caused by the fuel crisis, which has led to a critical shortage of petrol on forecourts in London and the South East.
With almost 200 troops prepared to swing into action to help alleviate the situation from tomorrow, the Petrol Retailers Association reported a 'distinct improvement' in the situation across much of the country due to the 'restraint' of drivers.
However, shortages appeared to be worsening in London and the South East.
Under the legislation, activists who bring vital transport arteries to a standstill will face up to six months in prison. Pictured: Protester is arrested after attaching herself to A1M junction near Welwyn Garden City
The move follows complaints from the police that they have lacked sufficient powers to stop eco-protesters. Pictured: Protesters from Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent
As Conservative delegates poured into Manchester for the conference:
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi condemned Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner for describing Tories as 'racist' and 'scum', telling the MoS that such 'demonising' language was 'dangerous', citing the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox as an example of the risks of incendiary speech; Mr Zahawi also said that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had shown 'terrible judgment' by calling for a tax raid on private schools; Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries prepared to throw down the gauntlet to the BBC over its
