Thursday 28 February 2013

EDF Energy are suing activists for £5 million.


Our daughter Claire was one of 21 activists who spent a week up a chimney at West Burton power station to protest against the use of gas-fired power stations. 

It was a peaceful protest to draw attention to the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels for power. No one was hurt but now EDF Energy are suing our daughter and her fellow activists for £5 million.

Our daughter and her friends protested peacefully. They knew they would be arrested but were brave enough to accept this possibility. Peaceful protest has never before been followed by an injunction for costs like this. If EDF are successful in this suit it will set a dangerous precedent for the right to peaceful protest in this country.

We are proud of what Claire and her friends are trying to do. It’s heartbreaking to think that they are being punished for putting themselves at risk for the good of humanity. If EDF pursue this suit they will put my daughter and her friends in debt -- possibly for the rest of their lives. For EDF it is a mere drop in the ocean, but for them it is a lifetime's income.

EDF might think it can silence 21 activists but it has to listen to consumers. If enough consumers show they are outraged by EDF's actions, the impact to the company's brand will be worth more than £5 million and the suit will be dropped.  

Thank you,
Russ and Barbara Fauset

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