WHO IS CAUSING THE MOST HARM, a Doctor or Exxon Mobil?
The public gallery in Chelmsford Crown Court on 7th January 2025 were in shock as Dr Pat Hart, a GP from Bristol, was given a 12 months prison sentence by Judge Mills. Pat had been found guilty of criminal damage in a trial in October 2024 after disabling some petrol pumps at the Thurrock Services on the M25 on the 24th August 2022. He had explained in the trial that the action was part of Just Stop Oils campaign calling on the government to stop issuing new fossil fuel licences, which it has since done. He further explained that Esso’s parent company, ExxonMobil, had for decades been deliberately denying and covering up the knowledge that it had that its activities were causing climate change which would be catastrophic for life on earth.
He had explained that it was his duty of care as a doctor, to protect life, that motivated him to take this action.
Those in the public gallery at the sentencing were shocked at the severity of it knowing that Patrick had already paid a penalty for the action through the breaking of an injunction and the paying of a fine. The current sentence would have an impact beyond the imprisonment as it would trigger an automatic referral to the Medical Practice Tribunal Service to determine whether he would have his licence to practice as a doctor suspended or even be struck off, after practicing for over 20 years.
‘I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON CARING’
Pat stood to address the judge when asked if he had any comments, saying, “Right now, the greatest health threat to all of us is the unfolding climate catastrophe. It is the greatest health threat we have ever faced. All healthcare workers have a responsibility to protect the health of their patients. If we do not stand up to the oil and gas executives who are wreaking havoc on our climate and the politicians who enable them, if we do not end the burning of fossil fuels, then we will have failed as a profession and the health systems that we have developed over centuries will collapse. I will continue to fight against the death sentence of fossil fuels for as long as I have strength in me. I have no greater duty as a doctor at this moment in history.”
PAT - PART OF MEDICAL ACTIVISM HISTORY
Dr. Pat Hart joins the historical list of Doctors, stretching back over centuries, who have been called to activism when the health of the population is at risk. These ‘agents of change’ in public health have sometimes worked to change the world around them, others to change the healthcare system, others conduct research to guide policy to aid governments. Working at this interface of society and health has brought important change; often at great personal cost.
SUPPORTING PAT IN PRISON
Pat was taken away straight after the trial to start his custodial sentence. We would like to support him through the various stages of his sentence and ongoing legal journey. Right now we want to be sure he has funds at his disposal for buying essentials while in prison, and that his ongoing home bils and professional costs will be covered. We are also keen to collect encouraging supportive comments. (At this stage we are not looking for fees to support future legal fees, as it is not clear how much will be needed or when.)
The ask now: Please make a small donation, up to say £5-10, add a comment of support, and then share with at least two other people.
A proportion of donations will be given to RIPS https://rebelsinprison.uk/ who exists to support activists who have been imprisoned for non-violent/peaceful protest, including Pat.
Thank you
Pat’s supporting group
Quote from a former patient of Pat:
“I have just read the awful news about Dr Hart … Dr Hart supported me through the darkest time of my life, when I was close to suicide. He checked in with me regularly and was so kind, supportive and lovely. He genuinely cared so much. He was one of the reasons I got better, because I needed support and he provided it. I am so sad this has happened and I hope he doesn't get struck off as a Dr. In 52 years he is the best Dr I have ever experienced. He's such a good person.”