The Court of Appeal has ruled against the use of the "consent" defense by climate activists, a strategy that has led to several acquittals since 1971.
This decision follows governmental concerns over the effectiveness of legal guidance for future environmental protests.
The ruling is seen as a victory for political influence over legal proceedings, further limiting protestor rights and defenses.
Why this matters:
Climate activists are increasingly finding themselves embroiled in legal battles as they push for more aggressive action on climate change. These challenges manifest in various forms, from lawsuits aimed at compelling governments to adopt stricter emissions targets to legal actions against major fossil fuel companies for their role in climate change.
National Grid has asked a coal-fired power station in the east Midlands to warm up to cope with extra electricity demand for air conditioning as much of Britain swelters in the heat.
World-leading air pollution scientists have called on Rishi Sunak to distance himself from Conservative colleagues who are dismissing the facts on the serious health risks of toxic air.
Dozens of climate activists have disrupted Europe’s largest private jet trade fair by chaining themselves to aircraft to protest against the sector’s carbon emissions.
The Norwegian government is facing growing pressure to scale back its huge global fossil fuel expansion plans – including the development of a controversial new oilfield in the North Sea.
People investing their pensions in funds that claim green credentials are being warned they may actually be backing the world’s largest oil and gas companies.
