Sarah Benn, a retired GP, has been sanctioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) for multiple breaches of a court order while engaging in peaceful climate protests. For younger doctors this verdict sends a bleak message. Not only will this decision further undermine our trust in the regulator, but it serves as an unwelcome deterrent to practising clinicians engaging in climate activism. The public, and indeed younger clinicians, may find solace and inspiration in witnessing senior medical professionals speaking out about climate inaction. Instead, the regulator should reconsider urgently the decision to pursue action against doctors engaging in peaceful climate activism while it’s not too late, even if those doctors break the law.
