Support the Rev Sue, support the next Highway 9

Aim

Raising funds to pay the costs of the nine summoned to court for demanding action to cut carbon emissions and eliminate fuel poverty.

Another two ordinary people have been committed to prison for demanding that the government fulfil its duty to protect the public, cut carbon emissions and eliminate fuel poverty by insulating Britain’s homes. While the other seven have received suspended sentences.  

We’re hoping to raise £40,500 to pay the court costs and some of the travel and accommodation expenses of the group.

The group includes Dr. Ben Buse 36, who has been convicted for a second time after being sentenced to four months imprisonment in November. 

The former GP Diana Warner 62, was also imprisoned for 2 months, while the others Ruth Jarman 58, Biff Whipster 54, Paul Sheeky 46, Richard Ramsden 75, Steve Gower 54,  Stephen Pritchard 62 and the Rev Sue Parfitt 79 all received suspended sentences.

They have also been ordered to pay costs ranging from £6000 to £500 each. The fines total £39,000 between all nine. 

Rev Parfitt, an Anglican priest from Bristol, said: 

"It's a pretty scary sort of experience. I feel deeply called to do this because I think it's the only kind of action left to do in the dire (climate) emergency we are in."

Steve Gower, 54, a volunteer advocate for the homeless from Gloucestershire said:

 “I and seven million others currently living in fuel and food poverty, would equally like the Government to reflect on its duty to protect the people of this country from climate breakdown and from fuel poverty. If the government would agree to uphold its duty, I for one would gladly hang up my orange high vis, once and for all.”

By imprisoning even one more person for demanding climate action, the government shows its cowardice. They would rather lock up former GPs and scientists than take practical steps to reduce emissions and leave thousands to die of cold this winter as they face the cost of living crisis. These people knew that they could be imprisoned when they took this action, but they could not stand by while the government betrayed us. 

Now it’s our turn to step up and support them. In addition to paying the court costs for the nine, we hope to help the two imprisoned with their ongoing expenses whilst serving their time.

Please give what you can.

This project successfully funded on 12th January 2022