Government Drops Appeal Against Climate Activist Who Held Sign Outside UK Court

The UK government has decided not to proceed with an appeal against a judge's decision to dismiss a contempt of court case involving a climate activist who displayed a sign outside a trial, urging jurors to follow their conscience.

On Thursday, a lawyer from the government's legal department, led by newly appointed Attorney General Richard Hermer, informed the parties via email that they had "reconsidered the case and decided not to pursue the appeal."

This marks the end of an 18-month legal battle for Trudi Warner, who was arrested after standing outside the Inner London Crown Court for 30 minutes with a sign that read: "Jurors, you have an absolute right to acquit according to your conscience."

Warner's protest coincided with the trial of Insulate Britain activists involved in a roadblock on the M25. The presiding judge, Silas Reid, had prohibited the defendants from referencing climate change as part of their defense. Judge Reid referred Warner's actions to the attorney general, suggesting that she could be in contempt of court.

Warner faced a potential two-year prison sentence, but when her case was brought before the high court in April, a judge dismissed the charges, stating there was no legal basis for the prosecution and accusing government lawyers of "mischaracterizing" the evidence against her.

Despite the initial ruling, government lawyers had lodged an appeal. However, on Thursday, the government's legal department informed the court of appeal that the case was being dropped.

Warner expressed her relief, stating, "It's wonderful that the right of juries to acquit according to their conscience is now unequivocally established as a legal principle in the UK. This is increasingly important in our fragile democracy, where inequality under the law persists.

"My case, and the collective response from [the campaign group] Defend Our Juries, has demonstrated the power of united action. This is a time for courage, which we must draw from each other. And we must remain steadfast for the challenges ahead. We are many. They are few."

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, a group formed to support Warner, stated: "With the increasing silencing and imprisonment of those trying to prevent crimes against humanity, our campaign will now extend to advocating for the freedom of political prisoners."

The attorney general's office declined to comment on the decision.