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Study finds criminalising UK climate protesters backfires

politicsApr 25, 2026527

A study of 1,300 UK climate activists reported in The Guardian finds arrests, fines and jail terms increase protesters' determination to carry out disruptive direct actions. The research focused on campaigners using nonviolent tactics such as roadblocks and found penalties made participants more willing to re-engage or escalate tactics. The finding means tougher criminalisation risks entrenching climate movements and complicating policing and political responses.

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