Insulate Britain protesters ‘glued to floor’ block M56 near Manchester Airport
Andy Burnham was quick to tweet his disapproval, stating he "can't see how this type of protest does anything other than alienate people from the climate cause".
Climate change protesters from Insulate Britain have blocked the M56 near Manchester Airport, it is being reported.
It appears that a group has blocked the carriageway near Junction 6 of the motorway this morning and is now holding Insulate Britain banners up.
Images from the scene show a group of protesters sitting on the floor near a collection of traffic lights, and some reports are suggesting that protesters have attempted to glue themselves to the floor.
It also seems that a number of police officers appear to be at the scene already.
Image: Insulate Britain
Greater Manchester Police has released a statement: “We’re currently responding to a protest on Wilmslow Road (A538) close to Manchester Airport.
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“We’re working at the scene to minimise disruption and we’ll provide updates in due course.
“Delays are expected and we ask people travelling to avoid the area if possible.”
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Manchester Airport has also released a statement, which says: “We are aware of protestors gathered on land close to Manchester Airport, which is being handled by the Greater Manchester Police.
“There is no impact on our operations but those planning to travel to the airport should take account of this ahead of their journey.
“Anyone with further enquiries should contact the police or Highways England directly.”
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Andy Burnham was quick to tweet his disapproval, stating he “can’t see how this type of protest does anything other than alienate people from the climate cause” – however, he doesn’t offer any suggestions for the type of protest he might deem to be more effective.
I can’t see how this type of protest does anything other than alienate people from the climate cause.
The group of climate change protestors appears to have headed north to coincide with the COP26 talks currently taking place in Glasgow.
This week, dozens of world leaders have already faced calls of hypocrisy for taking private jets to Glasgow whilst telling the world to cut its carbon footprint.
Protests are also taking place today in Birmingham and across Britain, reports The National Scot – with a reverend from Bristol having been arrested by police for taking part in the peaceful acts of disruption and disobedience.
The group is campaining for the UK government to introduce new legislation and funding for better home insulation, which they argue would significantly help in the fight against climate change.
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Their key demands are that the government insulate all social housing in the UK by 2025 and retrofit all homes with insulation by 2030.
An offshoot of climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion, their website states: “WE demand the Prime Minister and the government to #getonwiththejob, face up to their responsibility and lead our country through the climate crisis.”
Featured Image – Insulate Britain
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Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd November 2021 
