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BBC News1 min read
Criminalisation of climate protesters in UK is counterproductive, research finds
TL;DR
Research indicates that criminalising climate protesters in the UK is counterproductive, as it may increase activists' resolve to engage in disruptive actions. The study of 1,300 campaigners shows that repression can radicalise nonviolent protesters rather than deter them.
Key points
- Criminalisation of climate protests in the UK is counterproductive.
- Study involved 1,300 climate campaigners.
- Repression may radicalise nonviolent protesters.
- UK government has increased penalties for climate protests.
- Emotional responses influence activists' reactions to repression.
The criminalisation of direct action climate protests in the UK is counterproductive and increases the determination of activists to undertake disruptive demonstrations, according to a study of 1,300 campaigners.
New findings suggest arrests, fines and lengthy prison sentences given to nonviolent climate protesters who have blocked roads or damaged buildings may actually radicalise them. The repression of protest could even be one driver of recent covert actions such as the cutting of internet cables, they said.
Previous research found conflicting results on the impact of repression on protesters, some suggesting it deterred further action and some indicating it encouraged it. The new work found the emotional response of the activists determined their reactions to repression they experienced or anticipated experiencing.
Those who had already been jailed, fined, arrested or surveilled said they were less fearful of taking part in future disruptive actions. The campaigners who had not experienced repression fell into two broad groups. Those who felt anger or contempt about the prospect of repression were galvanised and had stronger intentions to take part in future. Those in whom the idea of repression increased fear had weakened intentions.
The UK government has cracked down on climate protesters in recent years. Some were jailed for four years for planning to block a motorway and have been denied the ability to put a “reasonable excuse” defence or climate facts before a jury.
The UN special rapporteur for human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, recently accused the UK, US and other governments of paying lip service to climate goals while criminalising activists. Research has found that 17% of all climate protests between 2019 and 2024 resulted in arrests, compared with an international average of 6.3%.
“These kinds of actions are counterproductive as they alienate people from the state,” said Dr Nicole Tausch, at the University of St Andrews and part of the study team. “The emotion of contempt is really indicative of that. When people start to feel contempt, they tend to feel they don’t have to comply to the norms and rules any more. [Repression] might actually radicalise people – if you don’t give people the legitimate route to express their discontent, then they will find other routes.”
Q&A
How does the criminalisation of climate protests affect activists in the UK?
The criminalisation of climate protests tends to increase activists' determination to engage in disruptive actions, according to recent research.
What did the study of 1,300 climate campaigners reveal about repression?
The study found that repression, such as arrests and fines, can radicalise activists and lead to increased participation in protests.
What are the consequences of the UK government's crackdown on climate protesters?
The crackdown has resulted in longer prison sentences for nonviolent protesters and may have driven some to undertake covert actions, like cutting internet cables.
What emotional responses do climate protesters have to repression?
Protesters who have experienced repression often feel less fearful about future actions, while those who anticipate repression may either feel galvanised or fearful, affecting their intentions to protest.
