Weymouth ecologist jailed for blocking M25 described as 'inspiring'
The husband of a Weymouth ecologist says she 'acted out of love'.
Family and friends are describing a Weymouth ecologist who has been jailed for blocking the M25 as inspiring.
Emma Smart, 44, is one of the 'Highway Nine' jailed for their action on behalf of Insulate Britain yesterday.
She was described leaving the courtroom with a smile on her face and her fist held high after being sentenced to four months behind bars.
Her husband, Andy Smith told Greatest Hits Radio he is very proud of Emma for sticking by her morals. He said:
"She's acting out of love, she spends her whole life trying to protect the environment in every way possible. Now she's a human being who understands the science, she's a scientist.
"She understands the gravity of the situation we're in and where we're heading as humanity and that's a terrifying place.
"She's acting in the only way she can see any meaningful change happen. She's a loving auntie, and she's a smart intelligent person, and she's been forced to take this action."
Insulate Britain's goal is to get the government to insulate more homes and make them energy efficient, to reduce their impact on the climate crisis.
The Highway Nine attempted to get this message across by blocking the M25 last month, despite an injunction preventing them from doing so, knowing they may face time in prison.
Andy added:
"We knew it was coming and we were well prepared for it. It's not like anyone is trying to shirk any responsibility here. When she started taking action she knew this would potentially be one of the outcomes.
"They were in that courtroom together all nine of them not begging for mercy from the judge, saying they stood up and stood by their conviction and they have no regrets and they would do it again, because it's morally the right thing to do."
Other campaigners from Weymouth have described Emma as an inspiration and a leader.
Penny Quilter from Wemyouth said:
"I admire he hugely. She's a phenomenal character, she's so committed. She's given her time and her life to what she's doing, to campaigning, to try and prevent climate breakdown, and biodiversity collapse, and the end of the world as we know it."