UK police detain Just Stop Oil activists following vandalism at UNESCO World Heritage Site Stonehenge

Just Stop Oil protesters made a bold statement on the eve of the summer solstice by spraying Stonehenge orange in a demand for the UK’s next government to legally commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030. The act of vandalism led to the arrest of two environmental activists, Niamh Lynch and Rajan Naidu, who were part of the Just Stop Oil protest group. The group used orange cornflour to decorate Stonehenge, with the intention that it would wash away with the rain.

Wiltshire Police confirmed the arrest of the two individuals for damaging the ancient monument and stated that their inquiries were ongoing in collaboration with English Heritage. The incident occurred during the UK’s general election campaign, causing outrage from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who denounced it as a disgraceful act of vandalism.

Just Stop Oil justified their protest by highlighting the necessity for more drastic measures than just not issuing new oil and gas drilling licenses, as promised by the Labour party. They emphasized the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels by 2030 to protect communities and the environment. The group strategically chose the day before the Summer Solstice festival to stage their action at Stonehenge, a time when people gather to celebrate.

The spokesperson for Just Stop Oil warned that failure to commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030 would lead their supporters to engage in further resistance against the government. They stressed the importance of defending humanity and urged the next government to sign a legally binding treaty to prioritize environmental protection and sustainability.