Weymouth woman jailed for blocking M25 moved to prison hospital wing
44-year-old Emma Smart has been on a hunger strike for 13 days
A Weymouth woman who's serving a prison sentence for blocking the M25 has been moved to the hospital wing of HMP Bronzefield.
Emma Smart, 44, who has today been in prison on hunger strike for 13 days, was moved out of her cell onto the hospital wing on Friday.
The prison is becoming increasingly concerned about her health.
On 17th November Emma, an aunt and biologist was sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of court for breaking the M25 injunction. Emma immediately vowed to stop eating until the government issues a meaningful statement to get on with the job of insulating Britain’s leaky homes.
Speaking from HMP Bronzefield Emma said:
“The window of my cell in the hospital wing is blocked up and there is little natural light, in my previous cell I could see the birds and trees that line the prison fence. I have less time to go outside in the prison yard for exercise now. All of this is testing my resolve to continue, but I feel that not eating is the only thing I can do from prison to draw attention to those who will have to make the choice between heating and eating this winter.
“Not standing by while our government commits treason against the people of this country feels like the most important thing I will do in my life.”
Emma was imprisoned with eight other people who were given sentences of between three and six months and were each ordered to pay costs of £5,000. The court ordered that they should serve at least half their sentences.
Future cases
A further group of nine people from Insulate Britain have been summoned to appear at the High Court on 14th December to face a charge of contempt of court.
Friends and family of the first group of people jailed by the government for demanding action on home insulation have set up a crowdfunder to help cover their court costs, rent and other expenses whilst in prison.
Protest planned
Tomorrow (30th November) supporters of Insulate Britain will be doing a 24 hour fast outside 10 Downing Street from 8am to highlight the need for urgent action on fuel poverty, with Emma, in solidarity with people who will have to make the choice whether to hear or eat in Britain this winter.