Two climate activists were arrested after spraying Stonehenge with orange powder paint in a Just Stop Oil protest demanding the UK phase out fossil fuels by 2030, just before summer solstice celebrations.

The incident, which happened just a day before thousands were expected to gather for the summer solstice at the ancient monument, saw the activists arrested on suspicion of damaging Stonehenge. The protest, organized by Just Stop Oil, called for the next UK government to commit to phasing out fossil fuels by 2030. While the activists defended their act as harmless and easily cleanable, it drew sharp condemnation from officials, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who decried it as vandalism.

The orange substance sprayed on the iconic site was identified by Just Stop Oil as an 'orange cornflour' mixture, which they claimed could be washed away by rain. The activists, Niamh Lynch from Oxford and Rajan Naidu from Birmingham, used fire extinguishers to disperse the powder paint across the monument.

Despite these assurances from the protest group, bystanders at the scene took action to try to prevent the activists from continuing their demonstration. Wiltshire Police officers, who were quickly on the scene, apprehended Lynch and Naidu and placed them under arrest on suspicion of causing damage to the historic site.

The timing of this protest was particularly notable, as it occurred just one day before the summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge. This annual event typically attracts large crowds, with people gathering to witness the sunrise over the stones, a tradition rooted in the site's ancient history.

English Heritage, the organization tasked with the preservation and maintenance of Stonehenge, described the incident as 'extremely upsetting'. A spokesperson confirmed that they were assessing the extent of any potential damage to the stones but assured the public that the site would remain open as investigations continued.

Condemnation of the protest came swiftly from political leaders. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labeled the act a 'disgraceful act of vandalism', while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called it 'outrageous' and insisted that those responsible must face the consequences under the law.

Just Stop Oil, known for its prior disruptive actions such as spraying famous artworks and obstructing major roadways, framed the protest as a critical push for governmental action on climate change. They emphasized the urgency of their demands, stating, 'The continued burning of fossil fuels will lead to death and suffering on a large scale.'

In a public statement, Just Stop Oil reiterated their demand for the next UK government to sign a legally-binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. They argue that decisive action is needed to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change and to ensure a sustainable future.

The debate on climate activism and its methods has become increasingly polarized. While some support the urgent call to action and highlight the necessity of drastic measures to combat climate change, others criticize the tactics used by groups like Just Stop Oil, arguing that these actions are controversial and have sparked significant public debate.

As the investigation into the Stonehenge incident continues, many are left contemplating the balance between the need for immediate environmental action and the preservation of historical sites. The controversy over effective protest methods remains a contentious issue within the broader climate movement.