Stop the deportation of a peaceful climate activist!

Stop the deportation of a peaceful climate activist!

Started
4 June 2023
Signatures: 175,081Next Goal: 200,000
445 people signed this week

Why this petition matters

My partner Marcus Decker is being threatened with deportation - because he joined a peaceful protest against the government's inaction on the climate crisis. Please help us and sign this petition calling on the Home Office to stop his deportation. 

Marcus and I fell in love 3 years ago. We were brought together by our joint passion for music and for protecting our planet. He became a wonderful stepfather to my two children.

Marcus is a passionate singer and climate activist. We both know how urgent the climate crisis has become and do everything we can to stop it from getting worse. When Marcus turns up at a protest and starts to sing the whole mood of the crowd can change. From one moment to another, people can listen to him in sombre silence or join him in energised chants. He is an inspiring teacher and a beloved supporter of grassroots communities. He lives the most modest life possible so he can dedicate all his time and energy to helping others.

But despite all our protests and the climate emergency getting worse and worse with every day, the government is still investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure. So Marcus made the decision to step up his protest. Last October, he scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge together with Morgan Trowland, creating a public debate about the government's continued investment in new oil. 

As a result of their protest, Marcus was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison. It isn't easy for Marcus in prison and it is desperately sad for my family. We miss him every day. The prison banned Marcus from speaking to the media making it even more difficult for him to speak about the reasons for his protest. 

But as if such a high prison sentence was not bad enough, Marcus, a German citizen, is now being threatened with deportation. 

This double punishment is devastating for us. If deported, he would be separated from us, his family, his home, community and adopted country. Marcus has already been separated from us for 7 months and now he might never come home again.

Marcus put his own liberty and body on the line for those suffering from the climate crisis. But he is more than just an activist - anyone that knows Marcus knows he is a gentle, thoughtful and compassionate human being who would only act proportionately to the crisis we all face. This is the man that I love. A man who sang my children to sleep at night.

Every day could now be the day that the dreaded letter from the Home Office arrives. Marcus will then have 20 days to appeal the deportation decision. 

It is not too late to stop his deportation. Chris Packham has already called for Marcus to be released. If enough people tell the Home Office that no one should ever be deported for peaceful protest, we still stand a chance.

This moment will affect the rest of Marcus' life. Please help us make it a life spent together with his family and his community. 

- Holly, Marcus’ partner

 

 

 

445 people signed this week
Signatures: 175,081Next Goal: 200,000
445 people signed this week
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