Climate activist group Animal Rebellion said it has been causing significant disruption to a number of dairy distribution facilities over five days, including blocking and occupying sites and damaging milk trucks.

It paused the movement – including protests at the Arla depot in Hatfield – in response to the death of the Queen.

Now its actions are affecting consumers’ access to milk in stores across the county and north London, the group has said.

The activists released this image reportedly taken in Harlesden in north west London - it is believed that shops in Hertfordshire are also affected. Credit: Animal Rebellion (Image: Animal Rebellion)

Dan Kidby, co-founder of Animal Rebellion, said: “We paused our non-violent campaign out of respect for the British people following the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death, but the disruption we caused is still being felt across the dairy supply chain.

“We fully stand by our actions and are demanding government action to transition to a plant-based food system which is the key solution to the climate crisis.”

Protesters drilled holes and caused disruption. Credit: SWNS / Animal Rebellion (Image: SWNS / Animal Rebellion)

Animal Rebellion wants to see farmers supported to make the switch from meat and dairy production to a plant-based food system, to free up land for rewilding that can draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through new forests and plants, helping curb the climate crisis and protecting nature.

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Protesters drilled holes and caused disruption. Credit: SWNS / Animal Rebellion (Image: SWNS / Animal Rebellion)

In a statement, a spokesperson for Arla said: “We’re extremely disappointed that protesters have caused criminal damage to some of our vehicles at our Hatfield site.

“All protesters have been removed from site by local police, however due to the damage caused some deliveries will be slightly delayed.

“The site is now fully operational, and we are working as quickly and safely as we can to continue delivering nutritious dairy around the country.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “A small number of stores may be running low on some lines of milk but alternatives are available and stores continue to receive deliveries.”

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