Nine protesters from the Insulate Britain group have been handed prison sentences at the High Court for breaching a High Court injunction to stop them protesting on the M25
Six of the protesters were jailed for four months, two for three months and one protester, Ben Taylor, was given a six month sentence by the High Court for his statement to the judge yesterday.
Mr Taylor told the High Court on Tuesday that if he is “not put in prison” for breaching the High Court injunction banning disruptive protests on the UK’s roads, he will “go and block the motorway at the earliest opportunity and will continue to do so until the Government makes a meaningful statement and acts on it”.
Dr Ben Buse, 36, Roman Paluch, 28, Oliver Roc, 41 and Emma Smart, 44, Tim Speers, 36, and James Thomas, 47, were all given four-month sentences.
This comes after Insulate Britain protesters have had ink thrown on them as they blocked part of the A40 in west London, as well as a roundabout nearby to the Dartford Crossing. It’s the latest action by the climate activism group, who’ve also blocked roads within central London and on the M25 within recent weeks.
Ana Heyatawin, 58 and Louis McKenchnie, 20, were jailed for three months.
All nine Insulate Britain protesters admitted breaching the injunction for their part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 on October 8, during the High Court hearing.
Myriam Stacey QC, representing the Government agency, said a High Court judge granted the injunction banning protest activity on the M25 motorway on September 21.
She told the court National Highways accepted that the protests fell into the category of “civil disobedience”.
Judge Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Chamberlain, said there was no alternative to custodial sentences given the group’s actions were so serious and they had made it clear they intended to further flout court orders.
She said: “The defendants, or some of them, seem to want to be martyrs for their cause and the media campaign surrounding this hearing appears designed to suggest this.
“We, however, have to act dispassionately and proportionately.”
Tracey Mallaghan makes statement at High Court as Insulate Britain activists are jailed
As the nine Insulate Britain protesters were taken down to the cells, their family and friends shouted “love you” and waved them off.
The group chanted “We are unstoppable. Another world is possible!” until stopped by the Judge.
This comes after the UK strategy to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050 is achievable and affordable, according to the government’s official climate advisers. The Climate Change Committee has said that the plan was the most comprehensive in the G20 and had strengthened the position of the UK as it prepares to preside over the Cop26 climate summit.
In sentencing, Dame Victoria said: “Significant harm has been done. None of you have demonstrated significant contrition.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Insulate Britain said they had been “failed and betrayed by our government”.
A spokesman said: “The 9 #InsulateBritain supporters were convicted of contempt of court for breaking the National Highways’ M25 injunction. Ana Heytawin and Louise McKecknie received sentences of three months, Ben Taylor, who had announced his intention to continue, received a sentence of six months.
“The nine chose not to standby and be complicit in genocide.
“We remain resolute and determined.”
