Quaker cases highlighted in international call to protect environmental protesters
A Quaker's imprisonment for taking part in a peaceful climate protest has been cited in an international statement criticising the UK's treatment of environmental defenders.
Gaie Delap, a 78-year-old retired teacher and lifelong Quaker, was sentenced to 20 months for climbing onto gantries over the M25 in a Just Stop Oil protest.
Her case is highlighted in a statement from Environment Links UK (ELUK), submitted this week to a meeting of the countries that have signed the Aarhus Convention, which gives people and organisations rights in environmental matters.
The statement accuses the UK of breaching its international obligations by penalising people who act peacefully to protect the environment.
[QUOTE-START]
When those acting from love and moral conviction are punished, it raises serious questions about justice
- Paul Parker
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It warns that new laws and heavy sentences are having a "chilling effect" on public participation and non-violent protest.
Quakers have been hit hard by these laws as their faith leads them to take peaceful action to protect the environment and Quakers in Britain are among the organisations supporting the statement.
ELUK also cite the unfounded prosecutions of environmental activities, including those opposing the Drax Power Station.
In September a court dismissed charges against 15 climate protesters, including four Quakers, accused of planning to lock on at the power station in August 2024.
The UK is the only country in western Europe to have its civic freedom classed as "obstructed" by Civicus.
The UK's long tradition of and respect for peaceful protest and non-violent civil disobedience has dramatically changed in the last few years, the ELUK statement says.
The UN's Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, Michel Forst, has also criticised the UK's approach, saying long prison sentences and civil injunctions against protesters breach the Aarhus Convention.
"We believe conscience-led, peaceful protest is essential in a healthy democracy," said Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain.
"When those acting from love and moral conviction are punished, it raises serious questions about justice."
ELUK, which represents more than 8 million members across UK conservation and environmental groups, is calling on the government to reverse recent anti-protest laws and to end the use of sweeping injunctions against campaigners.
The UK government says it remains committed to the Aarhus Convention and has no plans to withdraw.