Frome councillor jailed for climate demonstration on M25

A Somerset councillor representing Frome has been jailed for 26 months for his part in a climate demonstration on the M25.

Michael Dunk, who represents Frome’s West Ward for the Green Party, was part of a group from campaign organisation Just Stop Oil who climbed gantries on the M25 in November 2022.

The group were protesting against the government’s plan to licence over 100 new oil and gas projects.

Mr Dunk was found guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance in October 2025.

Today, Friday 5th December, he was handed a 26-month prison sentence, with three others in the group receiving prison sentences of between 20 and 30 months and two others handed suspended sentences.

Fellow Green councillor for Frome, Martin Dimery, said, “Mick is one of the kindest, most considerate people I know. He is highly principled, yet understanding and tolerant to others, regardless of their beliefs. Tragically, this sentence means he can no longer continue as a Green Party councillor. He has been a conscientious and well-informed colleague, always willing to help others and going beyond the call of duty.

“This sentence appears draconian and spiteful. Other judges in similar cases have been far more lenient. The outcome was arguably pre-determined by the judge in refusing defendants the right to attempt to justify their actions. He even ordered the jury not to research climate change before making their decision.

“At a time when prisons are overflowing and early release granted to sometimes violent criminals, it is impossible not to conclude that this sentence is politically motivated. Mick and his co-defendants have been made an example of. Meanwhile, successive governments continue to ingratiate themselves to those who are destroying the planet.”

Following the incident, Surrey Police said, “Our main concern continues to be the safety of other road users as well as protecting our officers who are climbing gantries to remove them and get the roads running again.  This kind of dangerous activity puts the public at risk, it puts police officers at risk, and it diverts our resources away from tackling other crime in our communities.”

Mr Dunk had already spent time on remand in 2022 following the action, where he was remanded for eight days. He also spent 187 days living under a curfew.

He will now serve 40% of his 26-month sentence and is required to pay £4,380 in costs.