Criminalisation of climate protesters in UK is counterproductive, research finds | Environmental activism
Criminalization of direct action climate protests in the UK is counterproductive and increases activists’ determination to stage disruptive demonstrations, a study of 1,300 campaigners has found.
New findings show that the arrests, fines and long prison sentences handed out to nonviolent climate protesters who block roads or damage buildings can actually radicalize them. They said the suppression of protests may even have been one of the drivers of recent covert actions such as cutting internet cables.
Previous studies have found conflicting results regarding the impact of repression on protesters; some suggested that repression deterred further action, others that it encouraged it. The new study found that activists’ emotional responses determined their response to the oppression they experienced or expected to experience.
Those who had already been jailed, fined, detained, or put on probation said they were less afraid of participating in future acts of subversion. Campaigners who were not exposed to pressure were divided into two broad groups. Those who felt anger or disdain at the prospect of oppression appeared to be more excited and had stronger intentions to take part in the future. The intentions of those for whom the idea of repression increased fear were weakened.
The UK government has cracked down on climate protesters in recent years. Some were sentenced to four years in prison for planning to block a highway and were prevented from presenting a “reasonable excuse” defense or climate facts to a jury.
Mary Lawlor, the UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, recently accused the UK, US and other governments of paying lip service to climate targets while criminalizing activists. The research found 17% of all climate protests It resulted in arrests compared to the international average of 6.3% between 2019 and 2024.
Dr. from the University of St Andrews and the study team. “These types of actions are counterproductive because they alienate people from the state,” Nicole Tausch said. “The feeling of humiliation is actually an indicator of this. When people start to be underestimated, they start to feel that they no longer have to comply with the norms and rules. [Repression] It can actually radicalize people; “If you don’t give people a legitimate way to express their dissatisfaction, then they will find other ways.”
Tausch, who has studied protests in highly repressive situations in Russia, Hong Kong and Egypt, added: “This really mobilizes people. This creates a shared identity, a shared destiny, a moral obligation to act. This is not going to undermine the protest.”
Sunniva Davies-Rommetveit, also from the University of St Andrews and part of the team, said: “We are also starting to see different types of actions such as sabotage. [Repression] “It could possibly be driving people towards more covert types of action.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “The legal right to protest is fundamental to our democracy. However, protests must not cross the line between peaceful demonstration and serious disorder. Existing laws give the police strong powers to manage protests and prevent serious disorder, disorder or intimidation, while also protecting the right to peacefully protest.”
Research published in the journal Nature Climate ChangeIt used anonymous surveys completed by 1,375 members of the Extinction Rebellion mailing list.
The greatest impact was reported by those exposed to oppression. “It was very striking,” said Davies-Rommetveit. “They feel less fearful and therefore more likely to intend to act destructively in the future.”
He added: “Policymakers listening to climate activists is probably a good idea, especially as the climate crisis worsens. Our findings show there is certainly frustration with the way the system is currently dealing with protests.”
A. 2023 opinion poll A study commissioned by the University of Bristol found 68% of British people disapprove of disruptive protest group Stop the OilIt closed roads and disrupted sporting events. However, only 29% think prison time is the most appropriate punishment for those who take part in disruptive, non-violent protests, while 37% impose a fine, while 15% think such activists should not receive any punishment.
Ministers appointed independent supervision of public order and hate crime legislation, which considers whether it is “fit for purpose” and “strikes a fair balance between the need to prevent disorder and keep communities safe and the right to protest against freedom of expression.” It is expected to be published shortly.
