London, England – Environmental activists made a bold statement by spraying orange paint on the ancient stones of Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Britain. The group, known as Just Stop Oil, demanded that the next UK government commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030. The act of defiance took place just a day before a national election scheduled for July 5.
In a video released by Just Stop Oil, activists were seen running towards the iconic stones with fire extinguishers, spraying them with orange paint powder. The group described this act as a way to draw attention to the British government’s alleged failure to protect communities.
Bystanders intervened to stop the activists, leading to the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. The Wiltshire Police are investigating the incident to determine the extent of the damage caused.
Just Stop Oil, in a statement, mentioned that supporters from various countries, including Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, will join in the resistance. The organization managing Stonehenge, English Heritage, expressed distress over the incident but assured that the monument remained open to the public.
The protest coincided with the summer solstice, a day when visitors traditionally gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise through the ancient stones. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to the protest, criticizing Just Stop Oil and defending his government’s stance on energy policies.
The activists’ actions underline a growing global movement urging governments to prioritize environmental sustainability and address climate change. Just Stop Oil has staged similar protests in the past, including obstructing traffic on major highways and targeting famous artworks with orange paint.
As discussions on climate change and environmental conservation continue to gain momentum worldwide, incidents like the one at Stonehenge serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect our planet for future generations.
