JUST STOP OIL supporters have been handed two-year sentences at Basildon Crown Court after climbing gantries over the M25 motorway. 

Six supporters pleaded guilty to “causing a public nuisance,” a statutory offence under the draconian Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act in April.

On Thursday, George Simonson and Theresa Higginson each received two years, Gaie Delap and Paul Sousek received 20-month sentences, while Paul Bell received 22 months.

Daniel Johnson received a 21-month suspended sentence for 24 months and 200 hours of unpaid work with £750 costs. 

They took action on the M25 in November 2022 to demand the government halt all new oil and gas licences — something that has since been implemented by Labour. 

There are currently 21 peaceful protesters imprisoned in Britain for demanding action on climate breakdown.

Speaking before sentencing, Mr Sousek said: “’No New Oil’ was the demand from Just Stop Oil right from the start. 

“Now most political parties agree and it has become government policy.

“How come we are being jailed for pushing for what is now government policy? Kafka couldn’t make it up!”

Mr Simonson said: ”I climbed a gantry on the M25 almost two years ago because I want to have a future.

“As a young person, I’ve got my whole life ahead of me. What is that life going to be like? 

“How many people am I going to witness die because of our government’s inaction?”

JSO highlights that right-wing think tank Policy Exchange, which has received fossil fuel funding, helped shape the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. 

Five other JSO activists were handed four to five-year prison sentences under the legislation in July — some of the longest sentences to be issued in relation to peaceful protest.