Insulate Britain: Activist jailed for blocking M25 on hunger strike in prison

An Insulate Britain activist, who was jailed for four months last week for breaking the National Highways’ M25 injunction, is on hunger strike in prison.

Emma Smart announced her intention to take this action after being sentenced at the High Court.

The 44-year-old biologist has gone without food for five days now and vows to continue until the government funds and takes responsibility for the insulation of all social housing in the UK by 2025.

“I am doing the only thing I can do,” she said from HMP Bronzefield in Ashford.

“I have stopped eating in solidarity with those who will have to make the choice between heating and eating this winter because of our government’s cowardice.

“Today is the fifth day I have refused to eat, and I will continue to do so until the government issues a meaningful statement to get on with the job of insulating Britain’s leaky homes.

“This is a no-brainer that would end fuel poverty as well as be a first step towards drastically reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, something we all know needs to be done.

“Come on Boris, don’t be a traitor to the British people - get on with the job.”

Her husband, Andy Smith said: “My wife is in prison and facing excessive court costs for breaking an injunction that has been specifically designed to stop people demanding action on the climate emergency.

“She is a political prisoner.”

Ms Smart is one of nine Insulate Britain activists who were sentenced at the Royal Courts of Justice last week.

The nine, aged between 20 and 58, were convicted of contempt of court for breaking the National Highways’ M25 injunction.

Dr Ben Buse, 36, Ana Heyatawin, 58, Louis McKenchnie, 20, Roman Paluch, 28, Oliver Roc, 41, Emma Smart, 44, Tim Speers, 36, James Thomas, 47 and Ben Taylor, 27 admitted to breaching the injunction but said they stood by their actions.

They were each sentenced to between three and six months in prison.

On Friday, the High Court ordered the nine to pay costs of £5,000 each.

On Saturday, activists blocked Lambeth Bridge, in central London, in support of those who were imprisoned.

Up to 250 people took part in the sit-on, shutting the bridge for hours.

Insulate Britain said it was not involved in organising the demonstration.

The High Court has issued five injunctions so far to prevent road blockades, covering the M25, as well as other major roads around London and the port of Dover.

Insulate Britain has said that nine more of its members have received a High Court summons though it is understood that a committal hearing date for the next group has not yet been specified.