But a recent rise in disruptive and destructive protest among climate activists, in groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, has met with tougher policing and, experts say, some of the longest sentences ever handed out for non-violent activism.
‘Sunflowers’ appeal dismissed
Public frustration with climate groups has grown as their methods of protest have become increasingly spectacular, annoying and disruptive.
Last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights barrister and director of public prosecutions, called for protesters who block roads or target cultural events and icons to face the full force of the law.
On Friday, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “It is disappointing that these radical disruptors have had their sentences reduced. This judgment undermines deterrence and risks sending a dangerous message.”
But Just Stop Oil supporters said it sent the exact opposite message. The Court of Appeal “very clearly upheld the principle of long prison sentences for peaceful protest — far longer than the starting point for serious sexual assault,” said Tim Crossland, a legal expert from the Defend our Juries campaign.
In a 44-page judgment, the judges did, however, push back on the longest of the sentences, citing the need to balance freedoms of assembly and expression when meting out punishment.