UPDATE: More arrests at Animal Rebellion protest at Droitwich Muller site
ANIMAL Rebellion protesters have set up camp at the Müller factory in Droitwich in a bid to stop dairy products being transported around the country.
So far, 13 protesters have been arrested at the scene for aggravated trespass and criminal damage.
Rowena Field, an Animal Rebellion Activist who travelled from York to be at the factory, said she hoped the protest would ignite change and government action to the climate crisis.
She said: “The crisis is so imminent – the climate, environmental crisis – that the disruption that will cause is so much more than what this will cause.
“It would be nice not to feel the need to do this, but nothing is being done quickly enough.”
The group entered the premises around 6am on Sunday, September 4 and said they would be there for ‘as long as it takes’.
A spokesperson for Müller UK & Ireland said: “We are disappointed to be targeted by a small number of activists who do not represent the 96% of adults in Britain who choose milk every week, and we will ensure that supplies are maintained.
“Dairy is affordable and packed with nutrients that benefit our bodies.
“During a cost of living crisis, it is wrong to try to prevent it from reaching families, including vulnerable members of society.”
The Droitwich Müller site is one of four sites across the UK currently affected by Animal Rebellion protests.
The action today comes as part of Animal Rebellion’s demands for a plant-based future, and campaigners are urging government support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system.
West Mercia Police said it was called around 5.35am this morning (Sunday) after the report of the protest at the Muller Dairy site in Hampton Lovett, Worcestershire.
Around 20 individuals had gained unauthorised access to the site, causing damage on entry.
As of this afternoon, 13 people had been arrested for aggravated trespassing offences and officers remain on scene negotiating with those still at the site.
Supt Stu Bill said he wanted to reassure local communities that officers at the Muller site in Droitwich were attempting to resolve the situation as safely and efficiently as possible.
“The safety of our officers and the public is always our priority and we absolutely support the right to peacefully protest, however damage caused by unlawful entry to private property will be dealt with as such.”
