Animal Rebellion supporters protest at Müller Bridgwater

However, the Bridgwater Mercury has had confirmation from Müller UK & Ireland that the site is indeed still operational.

The protest was a part of a campaign to disrupt the milk supply around the UK.

Animal Rebellion supporters have entered the facility, climbing the silos, whilst others have scaled company trucks at the gates.

A spokesperson for Müller UK & Ireland said: “We are disappointed to be targeted by a small number of activists who don’t represent the 96% of adults in Britain who choose milk every week, and we will ensure that supplies are maintained.  

“Dairy is affordable and packed with nutrients that benefit our bodies. During a cost of living crisis it is wrong to try to prevent it from reaching families, including vulnerable members of society.” 

According to Animal Rebellion: "Over 100 people have shut down the supply of fresh dairy across large areas of England."

The group has done the same at Muller Severnside and facilities in Droitwich and Aylesbury.

From 5:00 am today, groups of Animal Rebellion supporters stopped and climbed company trucks outside facilities, whilst others trespassed inside company facilities, climbing up onto milk silos and the sites’ loading bays.

This protest comes after the group received no response to a letter delivered to Downing Street in August, warning of disruptive action in September unless progress towards their demands was made.

Animal Rebellion has stated that its supporters will continue to take non-violent direct action until the British Government enters negotiations for its two demands:

1. Government supports farmers and fishing communities to move away from animal farming and fishing as part of an urgent and immediate transition to a plant-based food system.
2. Government commits to rewild the freed-up land and ocean as part of a broader programme of wildlife restoration and carbon drawdown.

John Appleton, a father and former employee of the dairy company Arla for six years and who is part of the disruption, said: “I’ve seen this industry first hand; I know the struggle that farmers and workers go through every single day.

"We need a food system that works for them, everyone else, and non-human animals.

"Governmental support for this is vital to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. We know the twin solution: transition to a plant-based food system and a mass rewilding programme.”

The action today comes as part of Animal Rebellion’s demands for a plant-based future, which were announced on Monday, May 23.

The animal and climate group is urging wholesale governmental support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system and programme of rewilding that will secure a future for generations to come.

Animal Rebellion is a mass movement using non-violent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system.