A JAILED protester from Weymouth who was hospitalised after going on hunger strike behind bars has ended her protest after 26 days.

Emma Smart is among nine activists who were jailed at the High Court in November for breaching an injunction by taking part in a blockade on the M25 during the morning rush hour on October 8.

The 44-year-old biologist announced her intention to go on hunger strike immediately and said in a statement, released after she and the other activists were taken to the cells by security officers, that the Government is 'betraying us'.

She began her hunger strike by asking the government to meet Insulate Britain’s demands and taking steps to reduce carbon emissions by up to 20 per cent by insulating the UK’s housing stock.

The jailed protester was moved to the hospital wing at HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey on Friday, November 26 and continued to receive medical care. 
 

Dorset Echo: Undated handout photo issued by Insulate Britain of (back row left to right) Tim Speers, Roman Paluch, Emma Smart, Ben Taylor, James Thomas, (front row left to right) Louis McKechnie, Ana Heyatawin and Oliver Roc, some of a group of climate changeUndated handout photo issued by Insulate Britain of (back row left to right) Tim Speers, Roman Paluch, Emma Smart, Ben Taylor, James Thomas, (front row left to right) Louis McKechnie, Ana Heyatawin and Oliver Roc, some of a group of climate change

Mrs Smart ended her 26-day prison hunger strike at 8am yesterday after receiving a letter from South Dorset MP Richard Drax, who she said wrote to express his concern for Emma’s welfare and to request a visit.

According to Insulate Britain, the meeting is likely to happen within a couple of weeks. 

Speaking from HMP Bronzefield, Mrs Smart said: "I have ended my hunger strike after 26 days, one day for every failed COP meeting since the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was signed. 

"I remain proud of my actions with Insulate Britain and will continue to do all that I can to pressure our government to live up to its duty to protect the people from climate collapse.”
 

Dorset Echo: Emma Smart (left) with her husband Andy (right). Picture: Family handout/PAEmma Smart (left) with her husband Andy (right). Picture: Family handout/PA

"I welcome the approach from my MP Richard Drax and look forward to meeting him to discuss Insulate Britain’s demands.

"I hope that he is prepared to listen and also to convey to the government the absolute gravity of our situation.

"The next three to four years will determine the future of humanity, so this is no time for half-hearted measures. Boris needs to get on with the job."