Two trials began today of supporters of Animal Rebellion and Just Stop Oil at Southwark and Basildon Crown Courts, respectively. Both trials were predicted to last for over a week, but one has already been adjourned until next year.
Supporters of Animal Rebellion who previously dyed the Buckingham Palace fountains red in 2021 have had their case adjourned after the prosecution failed to provide key evidence and witnesses required for their case.
The Just Stop Oil trial continues as planned.
Both groups say the trials are a complete distraction from the real issues of the climate and ecological crises after last week’s IPCC report stated over 3 billion people are living in high-risk areas [4].
Orla Coghlan, 28, a children’s nurse and spokesperson for Animal Rebellion said:
“The fact that seven honest, good people are in trials less than a week after the latest IPCC report warned of catastrophic climate breakdown is utterly ludicrous. The need for action on the climate and ecological emergencies has never been more urgent and the solutions are right in front of us. Transitioning to a plant-based food system and renewables, over an archaic loyalty to animal farming and fossil fuels, is a no-brainer.”
Animal Rebellion is urging wholesale governmental and societal support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system and programme of rewilding that will secure a future for generations to come.
Just Stop Oil is a coalition of groups working together to demand that the government immediately halt all future licensing and consents for the exploration, development and production of fossil fuels in the UK.
