Criminalisation of climate protesters in UK is counterproductive, research finds

Criminalisation of climate protesters in UK is counterproductive, research finds

Study of 1,300 campaigners finds arrests, fines and jail terms increase determination of activists to take direct action Damian Carrington Environment editor Sat 25 Apr 2026 11.00 CEST Prefer the Guardian on Google

The criminalisation of direct action climate protests in the UK is counterproductive and increases the determination of activists to undertake disruptive demonstrations, according to a study of 1,300 campaigners.

New findings suggest arrests, fines and lengthy prison sentences given to nonviolent climate protesters who have blocked roads or damaged buildings may actually radicalise them. The repression of protest could even be one driver of recent covert actions such as the cutting of internet cables, they said.

Previous research found conflicting results on the impact of repression on protesters, some suggesting it deterred further action and some indicating it encouraged it. The new work found the emotional response of the activists determined their reactions to repression they experienced or anticipated experiencing.