The British Grand Prix is under threat from a potential track invasion by environmental protesters, according to Northamptonshire Police. Police have warned with credible intelligence that a protest is being planned for Sunday’s Silverstone race, which they warn could put lives at risk.
Which environmental campaigners were responsible for planning the intervention was not made public, but Tom Thompson, Chief Inspector of Northamptonshire Police, called on the group to scrap its plans and offered to facilitate a peaceful protest site away from the track.
“First of all, I want to address this group of people directly and strongly urge you not to put yourselves, the drivers, and the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public at risk,” he said. “Coming out to a live racetrack is extremely dangerous, if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are putting lives at risk.” Of course, protest is a human right for everyone in this country and we are more than happy to talk to you to help facilitate peaceful protest on the track.”
Race organizers are working with police to try to avoid disruption over the weekend, which sees 400,000 spectators expected, with a record 142,000 expected on Sunday. “We are working closely with Northamptonshire Police and emergency agencies to put plans and procedures in place to ensure we are fully prepared to deal with situations like this,” Silverstone chief executive Stuart Pringle said.
“I am confident, under the leadership of the police and with the combined resources of our partners, that we can provide a safe and secure event for fans, which remains our top priority.”
In 2020, the group Extinction Rebellion entered the track on a weekend when the meeting was held behind closed doors due to the pandemic, and in 2003 ex-priest Cornelius Horan stormed the track and ran down the Hangar Straight during the race.
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