A group of nine Insulate Britain’s supporters have been summoned to appear at the High Court in London on 16th November, for breaching the National Highways injunction by causing disruption to traffic on the M25. They face a charge of contempt of court and if found guilty could be subject to unlimited fines, seizure of assets and prison sentences of up to two years. A further 23 Insulate Britain supporters, who have also openly defied one or more of the four recent injunctions, are expected to be summoned to court in the coming days. This brings the total to at least 32 people who are due to face contempt of court proceedings. [1]
The civil proceedings are presided over by a judge, with no jury present and Insulate Britain supporters have the right to legal representation. If they choose to admit contempt and apologise to the court, this will likely reduce the seriousness of any punishment. If they choose to contest the application, the hearing is scheduled to last one and half days and the case against all of the first nine supporters will be heard at once.
Theresa Norton, 62, a local councillor from Scarborough, who disrupted traffic on the M56 motorway yesterday said:
“I don’t do this lightly. But, like the nine who face court and a potential prison sentence, I have to stand up to government bullying; to overcome the fear they instill through threats and intimidating legal bureaucracy. They would rather silence us, than protect the public from climate collapse.
“If we are ever to achieve our climate commitments we need to start insulating homes now. I will continue being a part of this campaign and risk being imprisoned or losing my home until our government accepts that it must get on with the job.”
Paul, 46 from Warrington who also took part in yesterday’s M56 disruption said:
“I am knowingly breaking a high court injunction by sitting in a road, as the courts in this country are no longer about justice, but are about preserving injustice. Our government will lock us up and leave thousands of people dying of cold this winter.”
By failing to take the first basic step to reduce our carbon emissions the government is locking in the death of millions from starvation and conflict caused by climate collapse.”
“ I ask everyone to examine their conscience and consider whether they want to be complicit in genocide. If the answer is no, then join us on the motorway. Nonviolent civil resistance is the best chance we have of achieving the changes we need to ensure the survival of our children.”
Amy, 36 from Kingston who took part in yesterday’s M56 motorway disruption said:
“I am knowingly breaking the injunction because it is my duty to prevent the horror of both local and global consequences of not reducing our emissions. I beg you to examine the situation closely and support nonviolent civil resistance, in whatever way you can. We have great power when we work together.”
