Two Just Stop Oil protesters, Daniel Mifsud and a fellow activist, who scaled M25 motorway gantries in 2022 have been found guilty of public nuisance at Amersham Crown Court. Their protest was aimed at opposing the UK government’s plans to approve over 100 new oil and gas projects.
On 10 November 2022, Mifsud and his companion joined a wave of activists climbing motorway gantries to draw attention to the climate crisis. Following a five-day trial, Mr Recorder Nigel Sangster convicted them of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance. Sentencing is scheduled for 13 May 2026, with the judge issuing a strong warning that jail time is highly likely.
The court accepted the protesters’ statutory defence of ‘reasonable excuse.’ They presented significant climate evidence, including a 2020 peer-reviewed study warning that unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could make life nearly unliveable for 3.5 billion people. The report predicted an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and mass migration as a result.
Daniel Mifsud made an emotional plea in court, stating, “The year I climbed the gantry, my son Ezra was eight years old. Although climate change has been known about most of my life, it never defined me — until now. My deepest sadness is knowing his life will be shaped by severe and unavoidable climate consequences.”
He continued, “I acted on conscience. I could not explain to my son that I knew the risks and stayed silent. The issue is urgent, and doing nothing felt wrong.” In his closing remarks, Daniel said, “I’m an ordinary parent and scientist, deeply concerned about an issue affecting us all. I wasn’t reckless or looking for a thrill. Petitions and marches failed. Warnings were ignored. I believed this was the only way to make the government listen. My son’s future is precious. I have a duty to protect him and generations to come.”
In 2024, Just Stop Oil achieved a significant victory when the government halted its plans for new oil and gas projects. The group officially ended its campaign on 27 March 2025. However, the activists have vowed to continue their fight by pursuing legal action, campaigning for climate prisoners, and launching new initiatives to protect the planet.
Originally published by UKNIP.
