Insulate Britain has announced it will “suspend its campaign of civil resistance” until 25 October, in an open letter written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The campaign group has been causing chaos by blocking major roads around London.
Police have made multiple arrests during the demonstrations, with angry motorists often clashing with protesters.
Police officers detain an Insulate Britain activist blocking a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway
Several injunctions against the protesters granted by the High Court in recent weeks means anyone breaching the order by blocking roads could face a prison sentence, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said.
The environmental group said in its open letter on Thursday: “Insulate Britain would like to take this opportunity to profoundly acknowledge the disruption caused over the past five weeks,”
“We cannot imagine undertaking such acts in normal circumstances. But the dire reality of our situation has to be faced.
“We invite you to make a meaningful statement that we can trust… that your government will take the lead needed to insulate and retrofit our homes.”
“Ahead of COP26, Insulate Britain will suspend its campaign of civil resistance until Monday 25th October,” the letter added.
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Drivers drag protesters off road
Police officers try to remove Insulate Britain activists who have glued their hands to the road
Police officers detain a protester at a motorway junction
Insulate Britain – an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion – wants the government to insulate all UK homes by 2030 to cut carbon emissions.
It has blocked roads on 14 days over the past five weeks, with activists often gluing their hands to the carriageway to increase the length of time it takes for police to remove them.
The latest demonstration was near a busy industrial estate in Thurrock, Essex, on Wednesday morning.
Clashes between drivers and protesters ensued after demonstrators blocked the junction to St Clements Way and London Road.
An Insulate Britain activist is handcuffed as demonstrators block a roundabout at a junction on the M25 motorway
Protesters from Insulate Britain blocking Old Street roundabout in central London earlier this month. Pic: @EmbobEast
Protesters blocking the road on Wednesday morning. Pic: Insulate Britain
Police later arrived and removed more protesters from the roads. Essex Police said 35 people had been arrested.
Insulate Britain previously admitted its actions on the M25 were “in breach” of an injunction obtained by the government last month.
People who break injunctions can be found to be in contempt of court, but the protests continued as prosecutions usually take several months.
