UK jails 'first environmental protestors since 1932' over anti-fracking blockade

clock • 2 min read

The men 'deserve our gratitude, not a prison term', Greenpeace's executive director said, after judge handed them 15-16 month sentences

Three anti-fracking campaigners were sentenced to prison on Wednesday for blocking shale gas drilling operations in northwest England. Two protesters, Simon Blevins, 26, and Richard Roberts, 36, were...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Legislation

'Build, baby, build': Government's flagship Planning and Infrastructure Act enters info force

'Build, baby, build': Government's flagship Planning and Infrastructure Act enters info force

Sweeping planning reforms receive Royal Assent, as government confirms further details of how its new Nature Restoration Fund will seek to compensate for negative impacts from development

Michael Holder
clock 19 December 2025 • 6 min read
European Parliament approves 'simplified' sustainability reporting rules

European Parliament approves 'simplified' sustainability reporting rules

MEPs vote in favour of controversial reforms to exempt smaller businesses from EU sustainability reporting and due diligence rules

James Murray
clock 16 December 2025 • 3 min read
As Washington retreats, states step up their climate oversight

As Washington retreats, states step up their climate oversight

With major climate reporting deadlines in California, a flurry of activity at New York Climate Week and the progress of new legislation elsewhere, it's clear state-level efforts continue at pace

Catherine Atkin, Carbon Accountable
clock 10 December 2025 • 3 min read