UK Court Reviews Legal Defence for Climate Protestors

The Court of Appeal is deliberating on whether climate protestors can argue 'consent' in cases of criminal damage, a decision that could significantly impact future protests.

A hearing at the Court of Appeal is reviewing the legal defence of 'consent' for climate protestors accused of criminal damage, following a request from Attorney General Victoria Prentis.
The review was prompted by cases where protestors were acquitted after arguing property owners would have consented to damage if aware of climate impacts.
During the hearing, a 'people's assembly' was held inside the Royal Courts of Justice to protest the potential narrowing of legal defences for activists.
The decision will not affect previous acquittals but could restrict the use of the 'consent' defence in future cases, impacting how climate protests are conducted.
The case has sparked debate over the balance between the right to protest and property rights, with implications for the UK's approach to protest and free speech.