Bridgwater councillor released from prison - following 'Just Stop Oil' protests
Richard Morgan was sentenced to 23 days in prison after serving time for contempt
Last updated 4th Oct 2022
A Somerset councillor has been released from prison after serving time for contempt following an environmental protest.
Richard Morgan, the Labour councillor for the Fairfax East ward on Bridgwater Town Council, was one of 51 people accused of contempt of court after sitting outside the Kingsbury Oil Terminal near Tamworth in a peaceful protest as part of Just Stop Oil.
The protesters appeared at Birmingham Crown Court and were sent to HMP Pentonville after being found guilty of breaching a High Court injunction aimed at preventing protests outside the terminal.
Mr Morgan has called on Somerset residents to join the campaign, with a view towards either forcing the government to change its mind or voting it out of office.
The Kingsbury Oil Terminal is subject to the North Warwickshire injunction – a private injunction which seeks to outlaw any demonstrations, protests or peaceful civil resistance from taking place outside the terminal.
Mr Morgan and his fellow protesters set outside the terminal in a peaceful protest on September 14, demanding an end to new oil and gas projects across the UK.
All 51 individuals were jailed for contempt of court on September 16 after they refused to comply with court proceedings and “promised to break the injunction again”.
Mr Morgan was sentenced to 23 days’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was also ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £320.77.
If he is found to be in the vicinity of the oil terminal again, he will be going back to prison.
He said “I took part in this protest to fight for a fairer, greener, survivable future for everyone.
“40 C in the UK is just the beginning, and we are seeing human-caused heating wreaking havoc across the globe right now.
“The climate crisis is not some way off in the future. Just look at what’s happening in Pakistan.
“Bad things happen when good people do nothing, and I want to be able to look my children, and all children, in the eye and say I am doing my utmost.”
Mr Morgan has urged Somerset residents to ensure that they are registered to vote ahead of the next general election, which must be held by January 2025 at the latest.
He said: “Getting rid of the current government would be a very good step towards our goals, as they and the courts are putting the profits of greedy corporations over the protection of people.
“It’s crazy that ordinary people like me are being incarcerated for trying to save our own lives and the lives of our loved ones.
“We can’t pay our energy bills and the climate and ecological emergency is upon us – we must act now.
“Just Stop Oil demand an end to new oil and gas licences and proper investment in renewables and public transport. Disruption will end as soon as the government takes action.”
A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil added: “Last week 56 supporters of our campaign were being held in prisons around the country. This is unprecedented in the UK’s recent history.
“This year we have experienced the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the UK, uncontrollable wildfires and water shortages, while our government continues to approve new oil and gas projects in the UK.
“If the government won’t stop the genocidal death project that is new oil and gas, then ordinary people have no other choice but to stop it themselves, to protect the lives of their families, their communities and everything they hold dear.”