Six Just Stop Oil Protesters Jailed Over M25 Motorway Stunt
Basildon Crown Court sentenced six Just Stop Oil activists today for climbing gantries over the M25 motorway in November 2022. Their bold protest demanded the UK government halt all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction licenses.
Prison Terms and Suspended Sentences Handed Out
The defendants—Daniel Johnson (25), Paul Bell (24), Theresa Higginson (26), Gaie Delap (77), Paul Sousek (73), and George Simonson (24)—pleaded guilty to ‘causing a public nuisance’ under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
- Gaie Delap and Paul Sousek received 20-month sentences.
- Paul Bell got 22 months.
- George Simonson and Theresa Higginson each got two years.
- Daniel Johnson was given a 21-month suspended sentence plus 200 hours of unpaid work and £750 costs.
They join Phoebe Plummer and Jane Touil, jailed yesterday, making 21 climate protesters currently behind bars in the UK.
UN Special Rapporteur Slams UK’s Harsh Crackdown
In January, Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, condemned the UK government’s tough stance on peaceful climate protests. He warned the use of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 is “regressive,” turning peaceful protest into a crime punishable by up to 10 years behind bars.
“I am seriously concerned by these regressive new laws that criminalise peaceful protesters for public nuisance – unheard of since the 1930s.” – Michel Forst
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak bragged that this legislation was partly drafted by think tank Policy Exchange, whose US arm accepted thousands from ExxonMobil, the oil giant, raising eyebrows over influence.
Protesters Speak Out Before Sentencing
Paul Sousek blasted the government for jailing activists pushing policies now embraced by most political parties:
“‘No New Oil’ was Just Stop Oil’s demand from the start. Now it’s government policy. How come we’re jailed for what they now agree with? Kafka couldn’t make it up!” – Paul Sousek
George Simonson explained his actions as a young person fighting for his future:
“I climbed a gantry because I want a future. How many will die due to government inaction? They’re willing to kill for fossil fuels. I couldn’t stand by.” – George Simonson
Gaie Delap expressed sorrow over the disruption but said it was necessary:
“I’m sorry for the traffic chaos, but we had no choice. Scientists and citizens ignored; disruption was the only way to show how serious this is.” – Gaie Delap
Paul Bell, a climate scientist, also spoke passionately before sentencing:
“I acted to protect those I love from a bleak future. The government is burning our planet with new oil and gas projects. They must be held accountable for this monstrous act.” – Paul Bell
Harshest Sentences for Climate Activism in UK History
In July, five other Just Stop Oil protesters received 4-5 year sentences for M25 disruptions – the longest ever for nonviolent climate activism in the UK. The judge barred them from using climate crisis evidence in their defence, further igniting debate over fair treatment.
The UN special rapporteur’s office recently released a statement criticizing prosecutions of activists like Daniel Shaw, highlighting global concern over the UK’s crackdown.
Until government leaders take real action, Just Stop Oil vows to continue disruptive protests to force urgent climate change action.
