In April, Dorking Extinction Rebellion member Jakki Phillips joined a blockade of Waterloo Bridge during peaceful civil disobedience protests to demand action on the climate crisis, and she was arrested.
Today Jakki was in court where she pleaded not guilty on the grounds that she was trying to prevent loss of life in the face of a climate emergency.
Here is what her husband Rob had to say:
“Today I sat in a magistrates court and watched my law abiding wife of 27 years plead not guilty to charges bought by the state for blocking a bridge.
Charges that are intended to silence and frighten citizens from speaking out and raising the alarm against the indisputable scientific fact that our planet and all future generations are in mortal danger from human induced global warming.
Charges that are intended to keep the status quo and ensure business as usual.
I can no longer sit idly by and watch the wanton disregard for our planet and all forms of life that live on it.
I will be in London next week to rebel against this toxic system and highlight governments inaction whilst we still have a hope of saving our beautiful home.”
International Rebellion starts next Monday October 7th https://rebellion.earth/event/international-rebellion-begins-7-october-2019/
Email xrdorking@gmail.com to find out more or join Dorking Extinction Rebellion in London. All welcome.
Jakki. We stand with you and echo Rob’s sentiments as one voice.
This highlights the reasons why ordinary people feel they have to stand up and be counted. Laws can be passed rapidly. It amounts to gross negligence that it’s still ‘business as usual, that although Surrey has declared a climate emergency the Council has agreed to 5 more wells at Horse Hill. This will turn the site into the second largest onshore oil well. Do we sit back and tolerate ‘business as usual ‘? Jakki Phillips and those like her are standing up to be counted.
Yes, it’s SCC planning dept that should be in court, passing a massive oil drilling development at Horse Hill by 7 to 2 after ignoring numerous detailed scientific submissions regarding the negative effects. Please support the fundraising campaign mounting a legal challenge against this insanity. Search Horse hill protection or similar, or go to https://drillordrop.com/2019/09/26/legal-challenge-to-fight-horse-hill-oil-production/