Extinction Rebellion Chaos Shuts Down Broxbourne Newspaper Plant
Over 100 Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists brought traffic to a standstill outside newspaper printing presses, sparking havoc across England. Police charged 51 protesters with highway obstruction after they blocked roads around Broxbourne and other sites.
Night-Long Blockade Halts Newspaper Deliveries
The XR demo kicked off around 10pm on Friday, September 4, at Broxbourne’s Newsprinters Ltd. Protesters held the roads until 10am the next day. The disruption stopped delivery vans from leaving the premises, delaying major newspapers including The Sun, The Times, and The Sunday Times.
Police Clamp Down With Strict Bail Conditions
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed 50 suspects have been released on tough bail terms. They must appear at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on November 27, though the date could change. Key bail conditions:
- No approaching within 100 metres of any Newsprinters Ltd facilities.
- Ban on entering Greater London via the M25 or Hertfordshire until September 13.
- Prohibition on taking part in any XR protests until the same date.
Notorious Names Among Those Arrested
The protesters charged come from across the region:
- Graham Cox, 58, Hemel Hempstead
- Bethany Mogie, 38, St Albans
- Craig Scudder, 54, Harpenden
- Elise Yarde, 32, Walthamstow
- Richard Felgate, 28, Walthamstow
- Will Farbrother, 39, Walthamstow
- Timothy Spears, 35, Waltham Forest
- Samina Bunker, 38, Waltham Forest
- Christine Kelly, 61, Muswell Hill
- Sally Davidson, 33, London
- Christopher Smith, 43, New Malden
- Sarah Ingram, 39, Kidbrooke, London
- Steve Tooze, 56, London
With more planned protests looming, police vow not to tolerate further road blockades and disruption.
