Climate Activists Damage Glass Shielding Britain's Magna Carta
In a bold move, two individuals linked to the environmental advocacy group Just Stop Oil shattered the protective glass encasing Britain's revered Magna Carta, a significant 13th-century document, on Friday. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and historical preservation.
Two members of the climate activism group Just Stop Oil caused damage to the Magna Carta, a famous British manuscript dating back to the 13th century, on Friday.
The individuals involved were Reverend Dr. Sue Parfitt, 82, an Anglican priest and author, and Judy Bruce, 85, a retired biology teacher. They entered the British Library in London on Friday morning and broke the glass protection surrounding the Magna Carta, according to Just Stop Oil.
After this, the pair glued themselves to the document’s enclosure and held up a sign that said “The government is breaking the law,” Just Stop Oil said.
The protesters targeted the protective enclosure around the historic Magna Carta document with a hammer and chisel.
The protesters targeted the protective enclosure around the historic Magna Carta document with a hammer and chisel.
Just Stop Oil
The Treasures Gallery at the British Library, home to the Magna Carta, was closed temporarily on Friday morning. The library's press office shared that on Friday, May 10th, there was an incident where two individuals attacked the toughened glass case holding the Magna Carta in the Treasures Gallery.
The Library’s Security team stepped in to stop more harm to the case, which was minimal. The press office also mentioned that the police were informed and confirmed that the Magna Carta was not harmed.
According to London’s Metropolitan Police, two individuals have been arrested for suspected criminal damage. Both are currently in custody.
Just Stop Oil activists target the Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez.
Just Stop Oil activists target the Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez.
Kristian Buus/In Pictures/Getty Images
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The Magna Carta (Great Charter) is considered the earliest declaration of human rights, recognized for establishing the rights of man in English law. According to the United Kingdom’s Parliament, the document was issued in 1215 and was the first to establish the principle that the king and his government were not above the law.
Parfitt emphasized in the Just Stop Oil statement the significance of the Magna Carta in our history, freedoms, and laws. He warned that without addressing climate breakdown, there will be no freedom, lawfulness, or rights for us in the future.
Just Stop Oil mentioned that their recent protest coincided with the UK government's climate policy being deemed unlawful by the high court.
Protester Judy Bruce compared our dysfunctional government to the three monkeys: ‘see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing.’ She emphasized the urgency of transitioning away from oil and gas by 2030, stressing the need to take action immediately.
