Tory MPs criticise Ben Goldsmith over praise for Extinction Rebellion

Chair of Conservative Environment Network faces calls to resign after tweeting support for Just Stop Oil protests

Tory MPs have criticised Ben Goldsmith and called for his resignation as chair of the Conservative Environment Network (CEN) and a director at Defra after he voiced support for Extinction Rebellion.

The financier and environmentalist, who sits on Defra's board, has apologised after criticising Labour's strong stance against the Just Stop Oil protests, during which activists have blockaded fuel distribution terminals. He has said he has no plans to resign.