Candle-lit vigil for imprisoned Quaker climate activist
Hundreds of Quakers and supporters braved freezing temperatures to bear witness to the courage of imprisoned climate activist Gaie Delap on her 78th birthday.
Delap was recalled to prison before Christmas when Serco, which manages tagging for the Ministry of Justice, was unable to find an electronic tag to fit her wrist.
The candle-lit vigil outside HMP Eastwood Park in rural Gloucestershire was marked by silence, birdsong, and shouts of solidarity.
Quakers from Delap's Bristol meeting and beyond joined Delap's family and the Climate Choir in singing outside the prison's main gate.
Jailed last year for a climate protest on the M25 in 2022, Delap was one of a record number of climate activists imprisoned in 2024.
Her case highlights Quaker concerns about failures in the justice system, harsh protest laws and inaction on climate change.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “Quakers have a long history of standing up for their beliefs, from 17th century persecution to the conscientious objectors of the World Wars, and today's climate activists.
“Last Friday we heard that the world has already passed 1.5 degrees of warming. We are all watching as Los Angeles burns.
“Instead of imprisoning 78-year-olds, the government should be repealing draconian protest laws which punish those trying to draw our attention to this catastrophe.
“They should fix our criminal justice system and, most importantly, take proper measures to limit emissions and fund climate finance properly."
Mike Campbell, a friend and former probation officer, said Delap's situation reflected wider issues, with tagging failures affecting many women.
He said Delap witnessed the daily struggles of prisoners with mental health problems, addiction, and mothers separated from their children, many of whom should not be in prison at all.
Serco is a private company which has been found guilty of defrauding the government and fined for failure to deliver the tagging service properly.
Melanie Jameson, clerk of Quakers in Criminal Justice, added: “With prisons overflowing, this is no place for peaceful climate protesters.
“In Gaie's case, we are appalled that SERCO's failings have led to her recall. Friends in Quakers in Criminal Justice are upholding Gaie on her birthday."