Climate activist groups such as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion have recently been marked by increased disruptive and destructive protests. This escalation in intensity has been met with stronger policing, and according to experts, some of the harshest penalties ever for non-violent activism.

The case of the ‘Sunflowers’ appeal rejection

As the protest methods of climate groups turn more dramatic, intrusive, and disruptive, public annoyance with them has seen a significant increase.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister who was once a human rights barrister and head of public prosecutions, demanded last year that demonstrators who block roads or target cultural events and renowned figures should be subjected to the full force of the law.

Robert Jenrick, Shadow Justice Secretary, expressed disappointment on Friday, stating: “The reduced sentences for these radical disruptors are disappointing. This verdict undermines deterrence and may send a risky message.”

However, supporters of Just Stop Oil assert the complete opposite. They believe that the Court of Appeal has upheld the notion of extended prison sentences for peaceful protests—significantly longer than initial penalties for severe sexual assault, as stated by Tim Crossland, a legal expert from the Defend our Juries movement.

In a comprehensive 44-page judgment, however, the judges did challenge the harshest of the sentences. They emphasized the need to strike a balance between the rights to assemble and express when deciding on punishments.