Two climate protesters have just been arrested for spraying orange paint on Stonehenge – the 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern England. The act, carried out by Just Stop Oil, drew swift condemnation from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who called it a “disgraceful act of vandalism.”
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer also criticized the group, describing the damage as “outrageous” and the group as “pathetic.”
The incident occurred just a day before thousands were expected to gather at the 4,500-year-old stone circle to celebrate the summer solstice. English Heritage, the organization managing the site, expressed that the act was “extremely upsetting” and announced that curators were investigating the damage.
Just Stop Oil stated on social media that the paint used was made of cornstarch and would dissolve in the rain.
🚨 BREAKING: Just Stop Oil Spray Stonehenge Orange
🔥 2 people took action the day before Summer Solstice, demanding the incoming government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.
🧯 Help us take megalithic action — https://t.co/R20S8YQD1j pic.twitter.com/ufzO8ZiDWu
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) June 19, 2024
What do you think about the stunt?
