Doctors and anti-pollution activists blockaded the UK headquarters of Volkswagen to highlight the country’s air pollution crisis.
Greenpeace UK claimed more than 800 Volkswagen staff employed at the site – in roles such as marketing and distribution – were prevented from entering.
The environmental organisation demanded Volkswagen to stop building new diesel cars and switch to 100 per cent electric.
Related: Half of UK drivers want diesels banned from cities
Greenpeace clean air campaigner Mel Evans said: “As the UK’s biggest seller of diesel cars, Volkswagen is complicit in an air pollution crisis that’s filling up emergency departments and GP surgeries.
“Volkswagen sold us a lie about diesel being clean. Its diesel addiction is seriously harming people’s health.
“Volkswagen won’t meet with us and won’t listen.
“So today we’ve brought the truth about diesel to its doorstep.
“Volkswagen must face up to its responsibility for deadly air pollution and commit to end diesel production now.”
Aarash Saleh, a doctor in respiratory medicine who was among a group of medical professionals at the protest, said: “Diesel pollution is causing horrendous suffering across the UK and storing up a lifetime of troubled health for our kids.
“If you could see it, diesel would be banned tomorrow.”
Following the protest, Volkswagen said: “Volkswagen is aware of a protest at its Blakelands premises today, which has now ended peacefully.
“The Volkswagen Group has launched the most comprehensive electrification initiative in the automotive industry with “Roadmap E”.
“This will bring an additional 80 new electric vehicles to the Volkswagen Group model range by 2025.
“Roadmap E brings a €20 billion investment to electric vehicle technology with the goal of 25 per cent of Volkswagen Group vehicle production comprising electrified vehicles by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030.
“It is the goal of Volkswagen Group to be the number one provider of sustainable mobility.”
A recent opinion poll found that half of UK motorists think diesel cars should be banned from cities because of air pollution concerns.
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “As the government says, ‘cleaner diesel cars and vans can play an important part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the transition to zero-emission vehicles’.
“Modern diesels will remain the right choice for many drivers for some years to come, providing affordable motoring to millions of people, particularly long-distance drivers.”
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