United Nations issues scathing report on the UK’s escalating crackdowns on environmental protesters

A United Nations envoy expressed deep concern over the treatment of climate activists in the United Kingdom, condemning the “increasingly severe crackdowns” on peaceful protesters. Michel Forst, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, recently visited the UK, meeting with politicians, NGOs, activists, and lawyers. In his report published on Tuesday, Forst outlined the alarming situation faced by environmental protesters in the country.

Forst highlighted “extremely worrying” information regarding peaceful protesters facing prosecution under new and “regressive” laws, experiencing harsh bail conditions while awaiting trial, and receiving jail sentences. The UK has witnessed an escalation in the response to climate and environmental protests, particularly when demonstrations become disruptive, such as blocking roads and implementing slow walking tactics.

Last year, the UK introduced the Public Order Act 2023, providing police with increased powers to control protests. This legislation was applied in December to sentence a climate protester associated with the activist group Just Stop Oil to a six-month prison term for participating in a slow march on a public road. The protester is currently appealing the sentence.

Forst expressed his alarm at the fact that some judges were reportedly prohibiting defendants from explaining the motivation behind their protests, including mentioning climate change. He questioned the justification for denying the jury the opportunity to hear the reasons for the defendant’s actions.

The report also raised concerns about the harsh bail conditions imposed on peaceful protesters awaiting trial, including electronic ankle tags and curfews, lasting up to two years. Forst seriously questioned the necessity and proportionality of such conditions for individuals engaged in peaceful protests.

Forst expressed distress at how environmental defenders are portrayed in the media and by political figures in the UK, putting them at risk of threats, abuse, and physical attacks. He highlighted the “toxic discourse” that could be used by the government to justify adopting increasingly severe measures against environmental defenders, having a significant chilling effect on civil society and the fundamental rights to peaceful protest.

The UK Home Office, responsible for policing and national security, responded by stating that decisions on custodial sentences are a matter for the independent judiciary. The Home Office justified the Public Order Act, emphasizing that it addresses new criminal offenses and penalties for disruptive protest tactics.

While acknowledging the importance of the right to protest as a fundamental part of democracy, the Home Office emphasized the need to protect the law-abiding majority’s right to go about their daily lives. Forst argued that climate protesters, despite causing disruption, can still be considered peaceful, emphasizing that the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy.

The report shed light on the challenging environment faced by environmental defenders in the UK and raised broader questions about the balance between protecting public order and safeguarding fundamental rights to peaceful protest in the face of escalating environmental concerns. The debate over the treatment of climate activists underscores the complex and evolving landscape surrounding environmental activism and its intersection with legal and social dynamics.