Just Stop Oil: UK Home Office Fully Condemns M25 reporter arrests:

The UK Home Office has today totally condemned and apologised for the arrests of reporters covering the Just Stop Oil protests on the M25 last week.

LBC's Charlotte Lynch, documentary maker Rich Felgate and photographer Tom Bowles were arrested by police.

Lord Murray of Blidworth said the police action was "clearly wrong" while Lord Sharpe of Epsom said it "should not have happened".

Hertfordshire Police said measures were in place so the media could do its job.

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Ms Lynch described her arrest - on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance - as "absolutely terrifying".

Mr Felgate and Mr Bowles said they were held in Police custody for two over 13 hours simply carrying their paid work covering the Protests as per their employment contracts.

Responding to concerns raised over the recent incidents, Lord Sharpe said:

"Clearly, the arrest of journalists lawfully reporting on events should not have happened.

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"I understand an independent investigation into the arrests has been commissioned by the relevant police force."

Tory frontbencher Lord Murray, said:

"This was clearly wrong and should not have happened."

"Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed that additional measures are now in place to ensure legitimate media are able to do their jobs."

He added:

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"Of course 100% Freeedom of the press must be always be maintained and we expect all Police Officers to fully consider the likelihood of someone having a reasonable excuse before making any arrest decisions."

In a statement released last week, Hertfordshire's Chief Constable Charlie Hall said:

"Measures were now in place so accredited journalists & media could now fully carry out their reporting without any further fear of arrest"

The force had made a request for another police service to independently investigate Hertfordshire Police's approach to the protests.

Just Stop Oil activists disrupted parts of the M25 for four days last week, by climbing gantries.

A number of protesters were arrested.

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