Climate activists who obstructed roads near RAF Brize Norton in a protest against military emissions have lost their High Court challenge to overturn their convictions. The demonstrators, part of the group "Fight Climate Injustice," argued their actions were justified under UK law as a lawful excuse to prevent greater harm from carbon emissions.
However, the High Court ruled that their protest did not meet the legal threshold for necessity, upholding the original convictions. The judges stated that while climate change is a pressing issue, the activists' methods disrupted public order without providing a direct, immediate prevention of harm.
Background of the Case
The protest took place in October 2022, when activists blocked access roads to the Oxfordshire airbase, a key hub for the Royal Air Force. Their demonstration aimed to highlight the environmental impact of military operations, particularly carbon emissions from aircraft.
Several protesters were arrested and later convicted of public nuisance offences. They appealed, claiming their actions were protected under the Human Rights Act, citing freedom of expression and the urgency of the climate crisis.
Court's Decision
The High Court dismissed the appeal, stating that while the right to protest is fundamental, it does not extend to unlawful obstruction. The ruling emphasised that lawful protest must balance activism with public safety and legal boundaries.
This decision sets a precedent for future climate-related protests, clarifying the limits of "lawful excuse" defences in environmental activism cases.
