Brighton MP charged over fracking protest

The Green MP for Brighton Pavilion has been charged with obstruction and a public order offence over her protest against fracking in Balcombe last month.

Caroline Lucas will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 October to answer the charge.

Dr Lucas was arrested in London Road, Balcombe, on Monday 19 August during a protest against the energy company Cuadrilla.

Campaigners oppose fracking – or hydraulic fracturing – the technique used to extract shale gas from deep underground.

Dr Lucas was accused of obstructing the road and ignoring an instruction given by police to move.

Sussex Police issued a statement today (Wednesday 25 September). It said: “Caroline Lucas, 52, a Member of Parliament, of Springfield Road, Brighton, has been charged with two offences following her arrest at Balcombe on 19 August.

“She answered bail on Wednesday 25 September and was charged with wilful obstruction of the highway and breach of section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.

“She will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 9 October.”

Caroline Lucas said: “Sussex Police have today confirmed I am being charged with two offences arising out of my arrest in Balcombe on 19 August. One of the offences is for obstructing the highway. The other is for failing to comply with a police condition to move to a specified protest area.

“I firmly believe in the right to peaceful protest and remain deeply concerned about the impact of fracking on climate change and the wider environment.

“I have been advised by my lawyer to make no further comment at this stage.”

Nigel Pilkington, a senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service South East, said: “Following an investigation by Sussex Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has received a file of evidence in relation to Caroline Lucas MP, who was arrested during the anti-fracking demonstrations at the Cuadrilla drilling site in Balcombe last month.

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute Ms Lucas for breaching a police order on public assemblies and wilful obstruction of the highway.

“Sussex Police have therefore been authorised to charge one count of breach of a section 14 order contrary to section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 and one count of wilful obstruction of the highway contrary to section 137 of the Highways Act 1980. Both offences are alleged to have taken place on 19 August.