WITHAM’S MP has slammed oil protestors as “selfish and dangerous” as campaigners continue to stop fuel and oil being transported across the UK.

Campaign groups JustStopOil and Extinction Rebellion have been disrupting roads and oil refineries, calling for government action in ending investment to fossil fuels.

Essex Police have now made more than 300 arrests in the Thurrock district in connection with the protests, costing the taxpayer more than £1 million, as protesters tunnelled under access roads and glued themselves to tankers.

On Saturday, Extinction Rebellion climate activists marched through central London on Saturday and staged sit-down protests at several landmarks.

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Witham MP and Home Secretary Priti Patel slammed the activists’ actions, claiming they were “selfish, fanatical and dangerous”.

Ms Patel said: “'Hard-working people across our country are seeing their lives brought to a standstill by selfish, fanatical, and frankly dangerous so-called activists.

“The police have my full backing in doing everything necessary to address this public nuisance.”

Across Essex, several locations have been affected by the protests, with many garages suffering with fuel shortages.

Residents have complained about a lack of diesel and petrol around the county, as concerns grow for plans before Easter weekend.