Chain Gang In Oil Plant Demo

Travelling along the approach road to the Coryton BP oil refinery in Essex, a group of daytrippers were so appalled at the sight that they blocked the road. Minutes later their car was straddling both lanes and 2 citizens were attached to the underside of the vehicle. Banners appeared reading Oiling the World's Ills and Tax Oil Now , a reference to the lenient treatment of the oil industry by government (the UK's tax regime for oil exploration is beaten only by southern Ireland worldwide for its perks). The tax message was particularly apt as the following day Gordon Brown failed to crack down on this over-subsidised energy source. "It's a clear case of corporate welfare before social welfare," said a spokesperson for the protestors. "In the budget we saw the Government pandering to some of the world's richest companies, whilst attacking single mothers, disabled and unemployed."

Very soon the approach road was backed up for at least three miles, with over 100 tankers unable to enter the refinery. The citizens, calling themselves 'UKOOA', or UK Oil Overthrow Association (accidentally echoing the UK Offshore Operators Association) insisted on meeting with the refinery manager to discuss their demands: the shutting down of Coryton and a bottle of organic champagne.

When the manager arrived, there was a 'full and frank exchange of views' between him and the two tucked beneath the car, although he was not delighted to negotiate with the two pairs of shoes sticking out.

Eventually the police stepped in and arrested the five unattached citizens for obstruction of the highway. Essex' finest then returned with the largest pair of boltcroppers they could find, intending to liberate the remaining two. But the copper's croppers proved unequal to the task. At which point the fire brigade were called out.

Coryton's only approach road was inaccessible for over two hours, and BP was in the dock on the day its annual report hit shareholders' doorsteps.