DALE VINCE has hit back at right-wing tabloids, vowing to match-fund Just Stop Oil donations. 

The Ecotricity owner has vowed to double all money given to Just Stop Oil for the next 48 hours after senior Conservatives urged Sir Keir Starmer to return the funds the green energy entrepreneur gave to the party.

Writing to supporters of Just Stop Oil in a newsletter sent at 10.30am this morning he said: “I was on the front page of Monday’s Daily Mail this morning for supporting Just Stop Oil, like that’s a crime or something.

"Along with thousands of others, I am proud to donate vital funds to the cause.

"Right-wing tabloids can say what they like, I won’t be intimidated.

"Nothing is more important than stopping new oil and gas in 2023.”

Stroud businessman Dale Vince told people on Twitter to “make a donation” to the climate activist group in the next 48 hours, adding: “I will double the amount you give”.

He noted: “This is what we did after the right-wing mud slinging…”

The tweet comes amid controversy in the Labour Party over financial support from Mr Vince, who is also a key donor to Just Stop Oil, whose protesters are known for carrying out disruptive stunts such as interupting sporting events and bringing roads to a standstill.

Earlier on Wednesday, Just Stop Oil protesters blocked a major road in west London, with one police officer seen dragging a supporter along the ground by his hi-vis vest amid attempts to clear the way.

The group said it had caused “chaos” by staging another of its slow marches along three roads near West Kensington Tube station, including the A4, with a total of 66 supporters taking part by around 8am.

Protesters later slow marched in Parliament Square and arrests were made after some refused to leave the road in line with police orders.

Adam Beard, 54, a gardener from Stroud who attended the protest, said of Mr Vince: “I think every person who has got a public profile and stands up for us is good.”