DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Treat eco-mob like criminals, not heroes

In 1953, Arthur Miller published The Crucible, a play about the havoc wreaked on society by treating overwrought, attention-seeking zealots with undeserved tolerance. Seventy years on, life appears to be imitating art.

On Monday, at the Crucible in Sheffield, the hysterical narcissists of Just Stop Oil disrupted the World Snooker Championships by throwing orange powder on a table during a match.

Their purpose in attacking this event is not clear. There can be few sports less damaging to the environment than snooker. But logic has never been their strong suit.

The privileged eco-activists engaging in these puerile stunts, from targeting the Grand National to throwing soup at priceless art in galleries, are more interested in virtue-signalling than saving the planet.

Groups such as Extinction Rebellion and their offshoots proudly announce what they intend to do, and where and when – for instance, impeding the London Marathon or threatening the Coronation.

At what point will the authorities begin treating these protesters not as heroic martyrs, but like the criminals they are? (Pictured: A Just Stop Oil protester at The Crucible on Monday)

Yet should we be surprised they continue with their illegal protests? Not only are they convinced of the virtue of their causes, too often there is no price to pay.

Whatever tactics these ideological hardliners use, they know that many police, judges and politicians are largely sympathetic. True, some have been jailed – but most receive only a slap on the wrist.

At what point will the authorities begin treating these protesters not as heroic martyrs, but like the criminals they are – and hit them with long jail sentences?

Most people know it makes sense to wean Britain off fossil fuels and on to renewable energy. But they are also pragmatic and understand this will not happen overnight – however loudly the eco-warriors shriek.

Predictably Labour has repeatedly opposed the Government’s crackdown on the zealots who cause such turmoil.

But if Rishi Sunak displays resolve and takes on the fanatics, it would do the Tories’ electoral fortunes a world of good.

The PM will prove he is on the side of law-abiding citizens – not the deranged minority making their lives a misery.

Hague’s mask slips

When William Hague was enjoying photo opportunities with Hollywood star Angelina Jolie as part of a crusade against sexual violence in war, he could hardly have seemed a greater champion of women’s wellbeing.

But doesn’t the former Tory leader’s ugly and patronising outburst against Women’s Institute stalwarts fighting plans to admit transgender members tell us everything about his true beliefs?

With breathtaking arrogance, Lord Hague says those with very real concerns about allowing the organisation to enrol biological males should ‘get over it’.

He seems to believe his views are superior to those of the women who are unwilling to relinquish their hard-won boundaries and rights to men. There is a perfect word for his outdated attitude: Misogyny.

One of the biggest hindrances to people accessing decent council services, whether a new parking permit or social care for an elderly relative, is that so many staff still work from home. But in the cloud-cuckoo world of town halls, this dilatory lifestyle hasn’t been penalised. Despite sharp council tax rises, senior bosses have received bumper pay packets. So much for being all in it together!

The Government’s controversial plan to text us all emergency alerts begs troubling questions. Was it wise to award the £5.6million contract to Fujitsu, the firm condemned over the Post Office IT system that saw innocent postmasters jailed? And how do we know Whitehall bureaucrats – already keen to infantilise the nation – won’t abuse the scheme by pumping out messages for all manner of trivialities?

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