Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
An injunction has been granted by the High Court which prevents Just Stop Oil from protesting on the M25.
Anyone who is found fixing themselves to any object or structure on the motorway, as well as those assisting can be held in contempt of court. Those breaching could be facing imprisonment, an unlimited fine and asset seizure.
Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary says: “Protesting by blocking busy motorways or climbing overhead structures is extremely dangerous and disruptive, which is why I instructed National Highways to apply for this further injunction, which the courts have granted”.
This injunction does not affect the previous one set in place which includes any disruption to the M25, its feeder roads and major roads in Kent and around Dover.
Crazy News
There is an odd law from the Metropolitan Act of 1839 which many of us have broken many times when we visit the pubs.
It is actually that it is illegal to be drunk in a pub. Strange, as many people visit their local boozer for a couple of alcoholic beverages but being intoxicated is prohibited while in the public house.
The full law terminology states: it is against the law for the “keeper of a public house to permit drunkenness on-premises”. We all know of the Licensing Act 2003, that it is unlawful to serve or buy alcoholic drinks on behalf of someone who is already intoxicated.
So that’s three to four pints on average and you could be potentially face a £200 fine.
Happy News
A pop-up play area in East London was set to be removed, however a standoff between the removal company and children saw it become saved.
The contractors from Tower Hamlets Council were set to remove the playground that was created in response to COVID restrictions and making streets safer but is still remaining today after originally planning to be removed on 21st October.
The children of Chisenhale school were standing on the blockade, as Mayor Lutfur Rahman wants to remove the space as well as other closures, as it is an issue for the disabled as leaves them vulnerable by entering the road to pass.
The brightly coloured road is also used for community events too, but it is a matter of time of who will win this battle.
