Monday 10^th January 2022

For immediate release

Interviews available

Contact: christianclimateaction@gmail.com / 07954 377569

A 79-year old Anglican priest, a Catholic priest and an 85-year old Catholic all go on trial today at Inner London Crown Court after they stopped a DLR train at Shadwell station in London in 2019. Rev Sue Parfitt, 79, Fr Martin Newell, 54 and Phil Kingston, 85, all members of Christian Climate Action, took the action to highlight the climate emergency. They are charged with obstructing trains or carriages on the railway under the malicious damages act.

The trial follows the acquittal by a jury in December of six people charged with the same offence during an action at Canary Wharf station in April 2019. The DLR “Canaries” argued their actions were a proportionate, and lawful, response to the escalating climate crisis.

ENDS

Contact: christianclimateaction@gmail.com / 07954 377569

Notes for Editors:

1. Christian Climate Action is a community of Christians supporting each other to take meaningful action in the face of imminent and catastrophic anthropogenic climate breakdown. We are inspired by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Following the example of social justice movements of the past, we carry out acts of public witness, non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to urge those in power to make the changes needed. Since November 2018 we have worked closely with Extinction Rebellion and have become known as the Christians in XR. www.christianclimateaction.org.
2. A blog published at the time of the action: https://christianclimateaction.org/2019/10/17/a-catholic-and-anglican-priest-climb-on-top-of-train-destined-for-the-city/