BP’s Hamble oil terminal near Southampton has been blocked by Extinction Rebellion climate campaigners

Four protestors have locked onto oil barrels across two entrances used by oil tankers. Others lay down in the road and let off flares.

Extinction Rebellion said it was protesting about what it called industry greenwashing – misleading people into thinking oil and gas was environmentally sound.

The group called on the UK industry regulator, the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA), to end its policy on Maximum Economic Recovery of oil and gas. It also said the OGA should stop issuing new exploration and production licences.

The upcoming G7 talks in Cornwall later this month should agree to replace fossil fuel extraction with a transition that protects the world’s most vulnerable people, the group added.

It said:

“World governments have increased subsidies to fossil fuel industries and it’s business as usual for companies like BP and Exxon Mobil”

One of the protesters said:

“Companies like BP must stop greenwashing and act like this is a climate emergency.”

The Hamble terminal handles both crude oil and refined products.

It is linked by pipeline from the UK’s largest onshore oil field at Wytch Farm in Dorset and Exxon Mobil’s nearby Fawley refinery on the opposite side of Southampton Water. Crude oil is also brought by tanker to Hamble from other UK onshore sites, such as Horse Hill in Surrey.

BP has been asked to comment.

Hampshire Police said:

“We are aware of a protest on Hamble Lane that is taking place today (1 June). Officers are on scene to facilitate the protestors’ right to peaceful protest, to ensure the health and safety of those involved and to minimise the impact on the local community and businesses.

“No arrests have been made at this stage [3.30pm].”

The force later confirmed that no one had been arrested.