Early yesterday morning, more than 70 people from Insulate Britain blocked the M25 for a fourth time.

Activists stepped out onto slip roads and the motorway carriageway itself in a number of locations in a coordinated protest at 7am.

They said they poured blue paint onto the road, so it will require cleaning and add more disruption for motorists.

On successive days last week members of Insulate Britain, a climate change campaign group aligned with Extinction Rebellion, sat down on the M25, blocking traffic.

At times the group of protesters remained there for hours, with policemen not moving them on.

Fiona Atkinson who is part of Extinction Rebellion in Carlisle said: "Actions will continue until the government makes a meaningful commitment to insulate all of Britain’s 29 million leaky homes by 2030 and all social housing by 2025.

"Two protesters from Kendal were involved - Gwen Harrison, 43, an environment consultant and Catherine Rennie Nash, an events organiser, 70.

"Campaigners blocked slip roads and the M25 carriageway itself in a number of locations.

"Once again, blue paint was poured onto the road, which will require cleaning, leading to further disruption.

"Many of those blocking the roads today have participated in all four actions to date.

"Only one person who participated in multiple roadblocks last week has so far been placed on remand - Nick Cooper, who appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court on Saturday.

"On Sunday, Insulate Britain wrote to the Highways Agency and the police forces responsible for the M25 network, informing them that the campaign would continue at 7am today.

"The letter contained a request that the Highways Agency review their previous decision not to reduce speed limits on the motorway during the protest.

"This is a standard safety procedure when hazards occur on the motorway and Insulate Britain is surprised that it has not formed part of the Agency’s response to the campaign to date."