LONDON (UK) – Extinction Rebellion climate change activists laid siege to printing presses used by Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, which publishes The Sun and The Times, affecting distribution.
As many as 80 activists blocked roads leading to two printing presses at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire and Knowsley near Liverpool.
Hertfordshire police made 13 arrests.
The Newsprinters works owned by Murdoch also print the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times.
According to Extinction Rebellion, the blockade was organised to highlight the failure of the newspapers to accurately report on climate change.
A spokesperson for Newsprinters said the blockade forced them to shift printing to other sites.
“We apologise sincerely to any readers of The Sun, The Times, the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times who may be unable to buy their usual newspaper this morning due to late deliveries,” she said.
“This attack on all of the free press impacted many workers going about their jobs. Overnight print workers, delivery drivers, wholesale workers and retail newsagents have faced delays and financial penalty. This is a matter for the Police and the Home Office.”
The blockade is part of a week-long series of protests organised by Extinction Rebellion. On Wednesday, protesters lay under white sheets mimicking corpses in Parliament Square.
