Extinction Rebellion activists have been warned against using their concerns about climate change and possible future damage to the environment as an excuse to wreak havoc in the present day. Judge Silas Reid’s remarks, highlighted in an XR press release, were addressed to a jury preparing to deliberate in the case of five campaigners charged with criminal damage at JP Morgan’s European headquarters on September 1, 2021.
All are accused of damaging windows to the value of £306,000.
Speaking yesterday, Judge Reid said: “It is important to note that the circumstances which are relevant are those of the damage and not other circumstances.”
Addressing the key justification often put forward by XR for their activities, which have included disrupting London’s roads, and major sporting events including Wimbledon, he continued: “The circumstances of the damage do not include any climate crisis which may or may not exist in the world at the moment nor does it include whether nonviolent direct action can prompt change.
“Whether climate change is as dangerous as each of the defendants may clearly and honestly believe or is not, is irrelevant and does not form any part of the circumstances of the damage.”
The trial began at Inner London Crown Court on February 19.
Of the eight people who undertook the direct action almost three years ago, only five have been summoned to answer charges.
Judge Reid imprisoned one of the defendants, 38-year-old Amy Pritchard, along with others, for mentioning the words ‘climate change’ whilst on trial last year.
The other defendants are Stephanie Aylett, 29, a former medical device representative from St Albans; Pamela Bellinger, 66, a vegetable grower from Leicester; Adelheid Russenberger, 32 PhD student from Richmond, London; and Rosemary (Annie) Webster, 67, a retired cook and beekeeper from Dorchester, Dorset.
Extinction Rebellion activists yesterday formed a Blockade For Life around the entire Lloyds of London building.
XR’s 800-strong so-called Carbon Bomb Defusal Squad linked hands to form a 300m-long human chain, permitting staff to leave but refusing to allow anyone to enter or re-enter.
Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Marijn van de Geer said: “We are all standing here today risking our freedom because the climate and ecological crisis is getting so bad, so quickly that we can’t see any other way to get our voices heard.
“The people inside this building have the power to pull the plug on the very worst climate-wrecking fossil fuel projects by refusing to insure them.
“We’re calling on them to recognise their power – and use it now. They can be climate heroes, change the course of history.”
City of London Police tweeted: “Officers stopped a van in Tower Hamlets believed to be linked to XR.
“Following a search of the vehicle officers found black paint and equipment which they believe could spray the paint.
“A man has been arrested on possession of articles with intent to commit criminal damage.”
