Dame Judi backs tree protestor
DAME Judi Dench has backed an eco-warrior camping out up a 100-yearold tree to stop it from being chopped down.
The actress has signed a petition to save the black poplar which is occupied by Extinction Rebellion activists.
The protest was launched on February 22 to stop a planned redevelopment of estates in Battersea, south London, by Wandsworth Council and developer Taylor Wimpey.
The project will mean the felling 124 of 173 trees.
The black poplar is set to be cut down to make way for a power cable.
In an attempt to stop the felling, an activist, named only as Bradley by the organisation, is camping out in the tree.
Signing the petition, Dame Judi said: “Why cut a 100-year-old tree down when there is an alternative to go round it?
“Are we not all aware now just how important trees are?
“I find myself making appeals like this every day, surely we know better.”
She was joined by Stephen Moss, ornithologist and BAFTA award-winning television producer of programmes including BBC’s Springwatch, who said it was “irresponsible” of the council to plan to fell a healthy tree during nesting season.
NAZANIN ZaghariRatcliffe will have to wait up to a week for a verdict after appearing in court on new charges in Iran yesterday.
The British-Iranian’s husband Richard said she is “relieved” after being told it was the last trial she will face but also “guarded, cautious and worried”.
He said he expected her to be convicted and that he did not know what sentence she would receive.
Charity worker Nazanin last week had her ankle tag removed after having served four years in prison and the last year fitted with the ankle tag at her parents’ home in Tehran.
The mum of one was previously convicted of spying but has denied all charges.
Her trial yesterday lasted about 20 minutes.
Nazanin’s London MP Tulip Siddiq said: “I can confirm that Nazanin appeared in court this morning and was tried on new charges of ‘propaganda against Iran’.
“No verdict was given but it should be delivered within a week.”