Emma Thompson, actress, writer and activist, said:
“It’s unbelievable that at the very moment scientists tell us to speed up closing down fossil fuel industries, the UK government has decided to start a new one. And it’s not just climate experts who think fracking is a terrible idea. The local people don’t want it, the general public don’t want it, and the government is having to change the law to force it down our throats. When a government behaves contrary to science, reason and public opinion, it’s inevitable that some brave souls will resist. I’m truly grateful to the three activists for doing what we should all be doing – trying to protect our children’s future from fossil fuelled disaster. Thank God the courts have seen sense and freed them!”
John Sauven, Executive Director for Greenpeace UK, said:
“Today’s verdict is a major cause for celebration not just for activists, but for everyone whose home, community and climate are threatened by reckless industrialisation. Britain’s justice system has long recognised the vital contribution peaceful protest makes in a democracy, and we thank the High Court for upholding that principle. This is still a country where dissent is tolerated and speech is free.
“There is still great need for brave voices to speak truth to power. The government has been ruthless in their determination to push fracking onto a deeply unenthusiastic nation. Property rights have been removed, protections lifted, regulations weakened, and the security state has thrown millions at shielding this loss making industry from growing public opposition. If the government continues to follow this approach, they will meet more and more resistance, from climate scientists, from activists, from local government, from voters, and from their own backbenches.
“This case should be seen as a signal that they have pushed too hard and too far against public opinion for a democratic government.”
ENDS