Fuel convoy sets off despite fury at police tactics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The fuel protesters' convoy today resumed its journey, with organisers vowing they would not abandon their plans to reach London despite police opposition.
The fuel protesters' convoy today resumed its journey, with organisers vowing they would not abandon their plans to reach London despite police opposition.
About 20 lorries, together with a number of vans and cars, left Ferrybridge services off the M62 in West Yorkshire to make their way towards Manchester amid accusations of police heavy handedness towards drivers.
West Yorkshire police today warned members of the convoy they had issued a notice under Section 12 of the Public Order Act determining today's routes.
The same notice was issued by North Yorkshire police to stop the convoy, which left Newcastle yesterday lunchtime and intends to reach London on Tuesday, going into York city centre.
Truckers yesterday complained that police were videoing drivers, taking registration numbers and splitting the convoy up.
Today one of the protest leaders, farmer John Coxon, said the police had been heavy handed on orders "from above". He said protesters were very disillusioned by their actions.
Police around London plan to man checkpoints to stop lorries entering the capital on Tuesday for a rally in Hyde Park.
Supt Francis Habgood, of West Yorkshire Police, denied his officers had been heavy handed and said videoing demonstrations was "quite normal".
Several lorries and a number of cars have joined the convoy since yesterday, when about 15 lorries made their way to West Yorkshire.
Just before 11am the convoy briefly pulled into a service station to observe a minute's silence for Remembrance Day. "After we explained what we were doing, the police moved off and let us pay our respects," said Mr Coxon.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments