CLIMATE activists blocked the entrance of an oil facility near London’s Heathrow airport today to demand that Britain ends its reliance on fossil fuels as the energy crisis continues.

The protest at Esso West was a part of the fourth day of action by campaigners from Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Just Stop Oil coalition that has targeted oil facilities across Britain.

Campaigners say they will continue to block oil facilities to disrupt production until the government agrees to stop all new fossil fuel investments immediately.

Andrew Smith from XR said: “We’re here to say that climate action cannot wait.

“Right now, governments are choosing to exploit the crisis in Ukraine to hand out oil licences and continue the fossil fuel economy that’s destroying us.

“They are exploiting public fear and disorientation at a time of crisis when people’s bills are going up to advance corporate-friendly policies incapable of attracting democratic support.”

Mr Smith said that the public is in favour of faster action on the climate amid the ongoing crisis on energy.

He said: “We know what is happening and what needs to be done. By acting in favour of corporate interest over the will of the people, the government is showing contempt for the people who elected them.

“How long ago did our Prime Minister say Cop26 was our last chance to save humanity? And now they’re sidelining climate policy once again. This is not living in reality.”

The disruptions are a preface to action that will take place on Saturday (April 9) in London’s Hyde Park.

Similar blockades are under way in France, Australia, Sweden, Canada and the US.