Former Rochdale vicar arrested in Insulate Britain protest on M25 says 'I did what I believe was right' as he faces court

The former Vicar of Rochdale is facing court after taking part in an environmental protest which blocked the M25.

Rev Mark Coleman, 63, was among dozens of activists who staged a roadblock on the motorway on September 27 last year. Some of the protesters glued themselves to the tarmac and barriers on a slip road at junction 14 near Heathrow at the height of the Monday morning rush-hour.

The demonstration, part of a campaign by Insulate Britain to tackle fuel poverty and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, lasted at least 90 minutes before the protesters were taken away by police. Mr Coleman has been charged with causing a public nuisance and, if found guilty, could face an unlimited fine or a jail term.

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Mr Coleman, who retired in 2020 due to ill health, said: "I took part in the Insulate Britain actions to draw attention to the failure by the UK government to insulate the homes of the poorest people in this country. I knew what I was doing and I did what I believe was right.

"I know from having lived and worked in Liverpool and Rochdale how in many of our towns and cities, it is the poorest people who carry the great burden of fuel poverty caused by cold and leaky homes. This causes no problem for the fuel companies who will make a lot of profit but for those who live in poor quality housing this means debt and misery.

"I welcome the opportunity to attend court and explain why I did what I did. I am sorry for the disruption caused, but determined that the government should pay attention to the needs of its people and keep them safe from fuel poverty and rising emissions bringing flood and disaster.

"That is the job of