GP who took part in Just Stop Oil protests loses appeal against suspension
Dr. Sarah Benn, a retired GP from Birmingham, has lost her appeal to overturn the suspension of her medical licence. The suspension followed her participation in several climate protests organised by Just Stop Oil in 2022. She took part in three protests at Kingsbury Oil Terminal, Warwickshire, which violated a court injunction. This led to her receiving a 32-day prison sentence for contempt of court.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) suspended Dr. Benn for five months in April 2024. The tribunal found that her fitness to practise had been impaired due to her misconduct. Dr. Benn, however, challenged this decision. She argued that her involvement in peaceful protests should not be considered professional misconduct. Despite her arguments, Mrs. Justice Yip dismissed her appeal in December 2024. The judge highlighted that Dr. Benn knowingly breached the court order and showed intent to continue her actions.
Before these events, Dr. Benn had maintained a clean legal record. In 2019, however, she became involved with Extinction Rebellion, leading to several prosecutions for non-violent but unlawful actions. Initially, the General Medical Council (GMC) issued advice, but took no further action until her Kingsbury protests.
Dr. Benn contended that the tribunal’s decision was flawed and disproportionate. However, the GMC stressed that while doctors can express views on issues like climate change, their actions must not erode public trust. Charlie Massey, the GMC’s chief executive, explained that doctors hold a privileged position in society. Unlawful actions can undermine the trust that patients and the public place in them.
Despite her activism, the tribunal raised no concerns about Dr. Benn’s clinical competence.
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