The High Court heard from a priest who participated in Insulate Britain demonstrations that she said she would block roads during protests, even if she wasn’t jailed. This is because she faces sentencing with her co-activists today.
A total of seven climate activists appeared before the High Court. They admitted violating court injunctions but stated that they felt compelled to do so to raise awareness about Britain’s leaky homes’.
When Lord Justice Dingemans issues his judgement today, they could face jail sentences.
The Rev Sue Parfitt (79-year-old from Bristol) was one of the defendants. She addressed the judge and spoke about her resolve to protest in any event that she wasn’t jailed.
The judge was told by Rev Parfitt from Bristol that it wasn’t worth him sitting on the motorways flagging (our) message and interrupting people’s lives for an hr or two to safeguard our children.
“It does not matter to me what I do with you today.
‘If you leave me at liberty, I shall continue to protest in whatever way most dramatically draws attention to the plight we are all in – whether that involves breaking the law or not.’
Cops arrest Rev Sue Parfitt, a climate activist and priest near the M25 on Wednesday 13 September
The judge was informed by Rev Parfitt from Bristol that it wasn’t worth him sitting on the motorways flagging (our) message and interrupting people’s lives for an hr or two to protect our children.
Stephen Pritchard (62), from Radstock, Somerset, said to the judge that he has personally been thanked both by police officers and motorists for protesting, in spite of the disruption.
The defendant stated to the court that he would continue his peaceful protest by blocking streets, regardless of any consequences.
“We all are affected by the effects of climate collapse.”
And Steve Gower, 54, from Gloucester, added: ‘I took part in short, non-violent action on behalf of people present and future not in a position to make their voices heard – I will sleep tonight and thereafter with a clear conscience.’
Ruth Jarman, 56, is from Hook in Hampshire. Biff Whipster 54 from Canterbury, Kent. Paul Sheeky 46 from Warrington. Cheshire. Richard Ramsden 75 from Halifax.
Along with the seven others, Dr Diana Warner, 62 from Bristol and Dr Ben Buse (36), who were among those arrested last month in connection to similar violations, are being dealt with.
The violations are related to an Insulate Britain demonstration on the M25 that led to tailbacks measuring 2.5 miles. Activists blocked carriageways and adhered themselves to roads.
Left to right: Paul Sheekey, Rev Sue Parfitt, Biff Whipster, Ruth Jarman, Steve Pritchard, Steve Gower, Richard Ramsde outside the High Court
A police officer requests Insulate Britain climate activists leave the slip road that leads to M25. They had blockaded it on 13 September.
Myriam Sacey, QC, National Highways said that there are also reasons to believe that there will be more disruption.
“Intelligence indicates they will resume in 2022,” she stated.
“We tried to find the source, but were not told.” However, it is the police.
She said that Insulate Britain had made a number of previous statements to the media, which indicated their intent to ignore the bans on the group’s roadblockades.
Ms. Stacey explained that although protesters are defying court orders, she believes they have a legitimate purpose. She said, “Insulate Britain, we appreciate that the disruption caused by the demonstrations was not only acknowledged but also considered necessary and proportionate to the goal.
She stated that she believed that continuing to support the cause they believe in is worth taking the chance of breaking court orders.