Latest news with #JustStopOil
The Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
I received a 30-month jail sentence for nonviolent resistance. Why so harsh? Because protest works
Last week, at Minshull Street crown court in Manchester, I was sentenced to two and half years in prison for conspiring to intentionally cause a public nuisance. The prosecution's case was that I intended to 'obstruct the public or a section of the public in the exercise or enjoyment of a right that may be exercised or enjoyed by the public at large' – in other words, that I was part of Just Stop Oil's plan to obstruct planes at Manchester airport. I did intend that – and I have a defence for my actions. The offence of public nuisance – which falls under the Criminal Law Act 1977 and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 – was traditionally and frequently used to prosecute significant environmental offences. It punished big corporations causing real harm to the general public by poisoning water, polluting air, emitting dust and noise or dumping chemical waste. There is no irony lost in the fact that the same offence in statutory form is now being zealously deployed to prosecute environmental protesters. After spending nine months in prison on remand, my stomach was tied in knots but my head was held high as I climbed the steep, gloomy concrete steps from the court cells into the glass dock, which stands in the centre of the imposing Victorian gothic courtroom in Manchester. At last I was due to find out my sentence. At the end of the long ruling our fate was made clear: Leanorah Ward, Margaret Reid, Daniel Knorr and I were given 18 months, 18 months, 24 months and 30 months respectively. I was taken back to prison, where I remain, with time left to serve. Make no mistake, this sentence was passed because nonviolent resistance has the potential to spark revolutionary change. The judge, Jason MacAdam, deemed it necessary to hand down 'deterrent' sentences in order to inspire fear in others considering similar actions. There was much in the judgment that I disagree with, but I do agree with the judge's assertion that I considered 'the cause to trump inconvenience to others whether that be the general public at Manchester airport or other court users'. The climate crisis is not our cause; it's a matter of life or death for everyone. We set out to disrupt the planes at Manchester airport because history shows that resistance can be a catalyst for change, and science shows that we need to change our destructive way of life now to prevent disaster. When we were arrested on the way to airport, we had a banner in our pockets that said 'Oil Kills'. When we were sentenced in court we each raised signs saying, 'Billions will die'. The science is clear, and the judge is right: I consider the facts to be so alarming, so stark, so utterly heartbreaking that disruption to everyday life is warranted. And I have spent each day in custody, questioning why others equipped with the same knowledge as I have do not feel the duty to act in the same way that I do. The judge agreed that we acted on our conscience, but for sentencing he wanted to see remorse. But how can it be possible to take part in an act of conscience and then show remorse? How could I be morally compelled to take action one week, and then filled with regret for acting the next? I took action to disrupt the status quo, as I believed that carrying on as normal meant complicity in many unnecessary deaths. I pleaded not guilty and chose to defend my actions in court because I wanted to present the case that I was acting out of necessity to prevent harm. But this defence was ruled out. The judge stated that 'the stance taken by you [by pleading not guilty] distinguishes you all from others who have chosen to follow the long and honourable tradition of civil disobedience on conscientious grounds, that is accepting that you have broken the law and accepting the punishment that follows'. In doing this he not only disregarded the 1670 trial of Penn and Mead (where Quakers pleaded not guilty to unlawful assembly), the Ploughshare Four trial (where peace activists defended themselves by arguing that they acted to prevent harm), and the Rivonia trial of Nelson Mandela (who defended himself against conspiracy charges brought by the apartheid South African government). They all pleaded not guilty. He also denies the very essence of the tradition of protest: its ability to evolve and adapt to different contexts in order to find the confrontational edge essential to nonviolent action. Just Stop Oil is not a re-enactment group, it is an action group, which has taken a strategic decision to continue resistance into the courtroom. By asserting the necessity for our actions, we include the legal system in the debate over our duty and responsibilities. Later in the judgment, MacAdam appeared to reveal outright contempt for those in resistance, as he mused 'how wrong it is in a free and democratic society to consider that your own belief in the worthiness of a cause to be justification for breaking the law'. As if centuries of political and social struggle had never taken place, as if the current 'free and democratic society' has delivered the protection and defence we need from ever-increasing heating and extreme weather events. My time incarcerated will be spent in service. I will continue to follow in the noble tradition of civil resistance, using my time to read about past campaigns and the people behind them. People who also served time in prison, in the belief that despite the reaction of the state, their actions were a necessary public service. I will consider how to hold those responsible for the greatest crime ever committed against humanity to account. Indigo Rumbelow is co-founder of Just Stop Oil. She is serving a sentence in HMP Styal
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Undercover operation foils Just Stop Oil's plot to disrupt Manchester Airport
Undercover operation foils Just Stop Oil's plot to disrupt Manchester Airport Four members of the Just Stop Oil (JSO) movement were stopped by police before they could carry out their plan to cause 'chaos' during the busy summer period Indigo Rumbelow pictured on bodyworn footage when she was arrested (Image: GMP ) On an early August morning, a group of four set off for Manchester Airport. This is a familiar scene for many families heading off on their holiday, hopping into a taxi before sunrise to maximise their day at the final destination. But this group of four weren't looking forward to an afternoon by the pool or a dip in the sea. Their pre-dawn taxi ride was actually a covert operation by police officers who had been tipped off about the Just Stop Oil (JSO) scheme to target the airport and were swooping in just in time. The airport now estimates that the environmental activism group's plan would have impacted 'tens of thousands' of passengers. Had they not been intercepted on a Gatley street before reaching Ringway, the four protestors intended to breach the perimeter fence and glue themselves to the taxiway, reports the Manchester Evening News . For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here A plot by Just Stop Oil activists to disrupt flights at Manchester Airport could have caused 'chaos,' a judge said, potentially leaving families stranded in departure lounges at the height of the summer holidays. But the group's intention, the court heard, was to create widespread disruption and draw media attention to their cause. The attempt to target the airport marked a notable escalation in JSO's ongoing campaign of direct action, which the group recently announced would come to an end. Over the past three years, JSO protests have focused on demanding an end to new fossil fuel licensing, using civil resistance tactics that included blocking major roads, interrupting sporting events, and demonstrations at cultural landmarks. Some of those convicted had taken part in earlier protests. Daniel Knorr was one of two activists who entered the pitch during the 2023 Ashes test at Lord's, and was later convicted of aggravated trespass. Margaret Reid attempted to disrupt the World Snooker Championship the same year and was convicted of attempting to cause criminal damage. In the summer of 2023, airports across the UK were placed on high alert amid concerns over potential disruption. The following month, plans to target Manchester Airport came to light. Knorr and Reid, along with Indigo Rumbelow and Leonorah Ward, were intercepted by police in the early hours of August 5. They had travelled from the Midlands and were staying at an Airbnb in Gatley. Officers in unmarked vehicles stopped the group as they walked near the property at around 4:25am. Tools including wire cutters, angle grinders, and industrial superglue were recovered - items the prosecution said were intended for use in a planned protest on the airport taxiway. Police also seized mobile phones that were allegedly to be used to film and broadcast the demonstration. The protest did not go ahead, and all four were arrested. The group denied conspiring to cause a public nuisance but were found guilty following a trial. Sentencing them at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Jason MacAdam told the defendants: 'This was a highly organised, planned and determined conspiracy. If it had been successfully executed, the evidence, which was either unchallenged or tested without success, demonstrated it would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport, but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports.' He continued: 'The principle of deterrence when sentencing cases which are as serious as this is of particular relevance and importance… to prevent social unrest arising from the type of escalating illegal activity that all of you, affiliating yourselves with a cause, had become involved with.' Judge MacAdam also noted that their actions differed from those who engage in civil disobedience while accepting responsibility and legal consequences: 'The stance taken by you distinguishes you all from others who have chosen to follow the long and honourable tradition of civil disobedience on conscientious grounds.' Daniel Knorr, 22, and Leonorah Ward, 22, both of Second Avenue, Birmingham; Indigo Rumbelow, 30, of Anthill Road, Haringey; and Margaret Reid, 54, of Low Fellside, Kendal; were all convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance following a trial. Rumbelow was jailed for two-and-a-half years, Knorr for two years, and Reid and Ward were both sentenced to 18 months. Following the sentencing, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes of Greater Manchester Police said: 'This result is testament to all the hard-working officers across the force… we will always use the full resources of Greater Manchester Police to protect the public, prevent disruptions, and ensure people are brought to justice.' Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, the senior investigating officer, added: 'We know this disruption was deliberately planned to coincide with the height of the summer holidays… The group's actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the impact on the lives of those travelling via Greater Manchester, and I welcome the sentences handed down today.' Nicola Wells, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'This was a targeted attack, at the height of summer, against one of the country's busiest airports… Whenever the right to protest crosses into criminality… we will not hesitate to prosecute these cases.' Article continues below Rad Taylor, director of Aerodrome Operations at Manchester Airport, said: 'What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption… but also a significant safety risk. The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We are banging the table to say that it is Stockport's turn'
Stockport council's new leader has demanded action rather than words on the town's call for a Metrolink stop. Mark Roberts was appointed to the top job at the Lib Dem-controlled council last week, having previously served as deputy leader. The new town-hall chief said plans to expand the Metrolink network to Stockport need to move forward, urging the Labour government to 'put its money where its mouth is' to get trams rolling into Stockport town centre. READ MORE: Residents 'terrorised' and flats daubed in graffiti after teenagers tragically killed in motorbike crash in Salford READ MORE: Screams in court as Just Stop Oil activists jailed over 'audacious' Manchester Airport plot "We are banging the table to say that it is Stockport's turn,' Coun Roberts told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 'It is only right and fair that Metrolink comes to Stockport next, and we do get warm words and I welcome them, but we do need to see action, our residents want to see action on it. 'Stockport has contributed towards Metrolink for enough years now and not seen it delivered yet.' A possible expansion of Metrolink could see Stockport get a link to the east Didsbury line in south Manchester, with the work expected to cost hundreds of millions of pounds. Meanwhile, the regeneration of Stockport has been geared towards a future tram stop, with the town's transport interchange described as being 'Metrolink ready'. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said last year that it was creating a business case for the expansion to Stockport which should be ready by this September, and that it has already awarded contracts for the design, modelling and appraisal of the construction work. Coun Roberts said the government's spending review would be a key sign of whether the plans are likely to move forward any time soon. "That's something to look out for in the spending review, about ensuring that [Greater] Manchester is given the money that it needs from a transport perspective to be able to deliver things for Stockport, and for government to put its money where its mouth is, saying it believes in this kind of stuff, which they say they do. 'Metrolink to Stockport would be a game changer. It's not just something that Stockport needs, it's what Metrolink and that transport network needs, it needs to be plugging into Stockport, and getting those benefits for the whole of Greater Manchester.' Stockport council's deputy leader, Coun Jilly Julian, added: "It's not just Stockport's turn, it's Manchester's opportunity. 'It's not just Stopfordains getting into Manchester easier, it's about Greater Manchester having better access and connectivity to Stockport, because there's a lot going on here." Local transport minister Simon Lightwood visited Stockport in February and was asked about whether the government would fund the work to expand the tram network. He said any decisions on funding future transport projects 'would be a matter for the spending review' - but added that Parliament will work with local authority leaders to look at what is possible 'within the realism of value for taxpayers.' TfGM and the Treasury were approached to comment.
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Four Just Stop Oil activists jailed for plotting to disrupt Manchester Airport
Indigo Rumbelow, 31, Daniel Knorr, 23, Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Reid, 54, had all been convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. Manchester Minshull Crown Court heard they were all arrested in August last year near to Manchester Airport. They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police. Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group to enter the airfield and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity. They were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand. Following a trial the four defendants were found guilty in February of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. A fifth defendant was acquitted. Rumbelow, from London, was jailed for 30 months; Knorr, from Birmingham, was jailed for two years; Ward, also from Birmingham, was sentenced to 18 months in custody; and Reid, from Kendal, Cumbria was also locked up for 18 months. Each was ordered to pay £2,000 in costs. Passing sentence, Judge Jason MacAdam rejected the defendants' claims that only 'minimal delay, inconvenience, cost would have occurred' had their plan succeeded. 'That claim repeatedly made by you all is plainly dishonest and completely contrary to all of your claims again repeatedly made, that you want to be held accountable,' he said. 'This was a highly organised, planned and determined conspiracy. 'If it had been successfully executed, the evidence which was either unchallenged or tested without success, demonstrated would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports. 'Many peoples flights to and from Manchester would have been delayed, rerouted or cancelled.' Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, who led the investigation, said: 'We know this disruption was deliberately planned to coincide with the height of the summer holidays, targeting the public and their families. 'It was vital that we prevented this from happening. People work hard for their time off, and we have a duty to ensure they can enjoy it without fear or disruption. 'The group's actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the impact on the lives of those travelling via Greater Manchester, and I welcome the sentences handed down today.' Rad Taylor, from Manchester Airport, said: 'The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern. 'What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. 'The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.' In statements released by Just Stop Oil after the sentencing, the defendants said the action was part of a campaign for a treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. Knorr, who had been remanded in custody prior to sentencing, said: 'Since my imprisonment began, things have continued to get worse. The world still sleepwalks towards hell. 'People are taking action because they are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids. 'So as long as the climate crisis keeps getting worse, people will keep taking action, prison or not.' Ward said: 'I'm not worried about my sentence, I'm worried about living in a world where crop failure means I can't put food on the table. 'I acted because doing nothing is unthinkable and because the science is clear. We have no other option.'
Rhyl Journal
27-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Four Just Stop Oil activists jailed for plotting to disrupt Manchester Airport
Indigo Rumbelow, 31, Daniel Knorr, 23, Leanorah Ward, 22, and Margaret Reid, 54, had all been convicted of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. Manchester Minshull Crown Court heard they were all arrested in August last year near to Manchester Airport. They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police. Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group to enter the airfield and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity. They were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand. Following a trial the four defendants were found guilty in February of conspiracy to intentionally cause a public nuisance. A fifth defendant was acquitted. Rumbelow, from London, was jailed for 30 months; Knorr, from Birmingham, was jailed for two years; Ward, also from Birmingham, was sentenced to 18 months in custody; and Reid, from Kendal, Cumbria was also locked up for 18 months. Each was ordered to pay £2,000 in costs. Passing sentence, Judge Jason MacAdam rejected the defendants' claims that only 'minimal delay, inconvenience, cost would have occurred' had their plan succeeded. 'That claim repeatedly made by you all is plainly dishonest and completely contrary to all of your claims again repeatedly made, that you want to be held accountable,' he said. 'This was a highly organised, planned and determined conspiracy. 'If it had been successfully executed, the evidence which was either unchallenged or tested without success, demonstrated would have for some time resulted in chaos not just at Manchester Airport but to infrastructure around the airport and would have had a consequential effect on other airports. 'Many peoples flights to and from Manchester would have been delayed, rerouted or cancelled.' Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, who led the investigation, said: 'We know this disruption was deliberately planned to coincide with the height of the summer holidays, targeting the public and their families. 'It was vital that we prevented this from happening. People work hard for their time off, and we have a duty to ensure they can enjoy it without fear or disruption. 'The group's actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the impact on the lives of those travelling via Greater Manchester, and I welcome the sentences handed down today.' Rad Taylor, from Manchester Airport, said: 'The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern. 'What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. 'The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.' In statements released by Just Stop Oil after the sentencing, the defendants said the action was part of a campaign for a treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas and coal by 2030. Knorr, who had been remanded in custody prior to sentencing, said: 'Since my imprisonment began, things have continued to get worse. The world still sleepwalks towards hell. 'People are taking action because they are terrified of what rising temperatures and food shortages will mean for them and for their kids. 'So as long as the climate crisis keeps getting worse, people will keep taking action, prison or not.' Ward said: 'I'm not worried about my sentence, I'm worried about living in a world where crop failure means I can't put food on the table. 'I acted because doing nothing is unthinkable and because the science is clear. We have no other option.'
