Insulate Britain supporters go on hunger strike outside Downing Street
They're there in support of hospitalised activist Emma Smart
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
Insulate Britain supporters have started a 24-hour hunger strike outside Downing Street since this morning (30th November).
They say it's in solidarity with people who have to make the choice on whether to heat their homes or eat this winter.
The husband of an Insulate Britain protester from Weymouth who was on hunger strike in prison is also outside 10 Downing Street.
Andy Smith's wife Emma Smart has now been moved to the hospital wing of HMP Bronzefield after not eating for 14 days.
Ms Smart, 44, from Weymouth in Dorset, is serving a four-month jail sentence for breaching a government injunction designed to prevent road blockades.
She was among nine Insulate Britain protesters which were jailed after appearing at the High Court on 17th November.
They admitted breaching an injunction by taking part in a blockade at junction 25 of the M25 during the morning rush hour on 8th October.
They received sentences of between three and six months and were ordered to pay £5,000 in costs each.
Ms Smart vowed to stop eating immediately after the High Court's decision was announced.
In a statement released by Insulate Britain, she 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."