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In London, environmental protesters targeted Stonehenge, the iconic British landmark, by coating its ancient stones with an orange substance on Wednesday. The group behind the protest, Just Stop Oil, is demanding that the forthcoming government commit to eliminating fossil fuels by the year 2030 through a binding agreement. They claim this action was taken to highlight the U.K. government’s lack of commitment to protecting communities.
The protest involved two individuals rushing toward the prehistoric monument, a site recognized by UNESCO, with devices resembling fire extinguishers to disperse the “orange paint powder.” According to Just Stop Oil, this dramatic gesture was meant to draw attention rather than vandalize.
The incident led to immediate intervention by onlookers, and Wiltshire Police later reported the arrest of two suspects for allegedly causing damage to the historic site.
The group, Just Stop Oil, took to Twitter to announce their protest, coinciding with the eve of the Summer Solstice—a significant time at Stonehenge where people traditionally gather to celebrate the longest day of the year.
Just Stop Oil also stated that they, along with supporters from several countries, are prepared to escalate their protests if governments do not take substantial action against fossil fuels.
English Heritage, the organization that oversees Stonehenge, described the event as “extremely upsetting” and is currently assessing the damage, although the site remains open to visitors.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labeled the protest group as “a disgrace.” Amidst criticism, he reiterated his position, postponing the ban on new gasoline-powered vehicles to 2035 and rejecting new energy efficiency regulations for buildings, despite the upcoming election where he’s reported to be trailing behind his main competitor.
Just Stop Oil criticizes the current approach to climate policy, emphasizing the urgent need for action against the use of fossil fuels to prevent widespread suffering and ecological damage. The group emphasizes the legacy of current generations and the pressing need for decisive climate action, contrasting the permanence of Stonehenge’s stones with the impermanence and urgency of effective climate policies.