Carla Denyer: Prison sentence for 77-year-old climate protester disproportionate | Just Stop Oil

Imposing a 20-month prison sentence on a 77-year-old woman for a climate demonstration on the M25 was disproportionate, unfair and a waste of resources, said Green MEP Carla Denyer.

In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Denyer described the detention of Gaie Delap three weeks ago as “an example of a persistent and serious problem of disproportionate sentences for climate activists.”

Delap, from Bristol, was jailed three weeks ago for her participation in a campaign of disruptive protests on the M25 in November 2022.

Denyer, who was recently elected MP for Bristol Central, expressed her “deep concern” at the “disproportionate punishment” of her constituent, whose actions were “entirely peaceful and non-violent and aimed at raising awareness of the threat of the climate emergency”.

Denyer pointed out that Delap's protest was aimed at forcing the government to ban fossil fuel exploration in the North Sea, adding: “As you know, your government has rightly chosen not to issue new licences. This means that Gaie and her fellow protesters have been sent to prison for advocating a position that is in line with the Labour Party's plans.”

“While I am encouraged that your government has taken this step to protect the environment, Gaie's disproportionate conviction does not represent justice, nor is it necessary to deter people from participating in further measures to stop new oil and gas exploration.”

Delap was one of several dozen Just Stop Oil supporters who climbed onto gantries on the M25, which circles London, during a four-day protest campaign, forcing police to stop traffic and leaving an estimated 709,000 motorists stuck in traffic jams.

Five activists identified as leaders of the protests were sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison last month. Trials of other alleged leaders and crane climbers are planned in the coming months.

Denyer said the “desperation” that drove Delap to take part in climate action was “shared by many, both in my own constituency and nationally” and was “entirely understandable”.

“I would also argue that the significant cost of Gaie's prison sentence is a waste of resources,” Denyer added.

“At a time when government departments are facing further cuts and prisons are so overcrowded that some offenders are being released early, the imprisonment of a peaceful climate protester like Gaie represents an unnecessary burden on public resources and an ill-considered use of limited prison capacity.”

The Home Office was asked for comment.