Quaker Rajan Naidu (left) at Stonehenge Photo: NA
Quaker spray paints Stonehenge for climate
‘The paint is made of cornstarch, which will wash away in the rain,’ wrote Just Stop Oil.
A Quaker was one of two climate defenders who sprayed orange powder paint on Stonehenge on the eve of the summer solstice.
Rajan Naidu, from Central England Area Meeting, and Niamh Lynch, a student from Oxford, were arrested by Wiltshire police after members of the public attempted to stop the Just Stop Oil (JSO) action.
‘The paint is made of cornstarch, which will wash away in the rain,’ JSO wrote, sharing footage of their activism online. ‘But the urgent need for effective government action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the climate and ecological crisis will not.’
Niamh Lynch said: ‘Stonehenge at solstice is all about celebrating the natural world – but look at the state it’s in.’
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Nick Merriman, English Heritage chief executive, said that there appeared to be ‘no visible damage’ to the prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site. On social media, the Stonehenge X account pointed out that there are ‘multiple rare lichen species growing on the stones that are also protected in law’.
Nick Merriman said: ‘It’s difficult to understand and we’re deeply saddened about this vandalism, but we’ve been really touched by the messages of sympathy and support we’ve had.
‘Our experts have already managed to clean the orange powder from the stones because we were really worried about what would happen if they got in contact with water.’
He added: ‘We wish people would channel their protests away from cultural heritage sites, museums and galleries because we feel that doesn’t actually help their cause, and causes huge upset and disruption to the operation of these important sites.’
A JSO statement said that the action was to demand that the new government should sign up to a legally-binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. ‘The UK’s government in waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil’s original demand of ‘“no new oil and gas”. However, we all know this is not enough.’
Last month hundreds of the world’s leading climate scientists said they expected global temperatures to rise to at least 2.5C (4.5F) above preindustrial levels this century, causing catastrophic damage, in a poll by The Guardian.
Comments
I am not in unity with the actions of Just Stop Oil in targeting Stonehenge. The criticism of Just Stop Oil, as articulated by gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, is that it alienates public support by disrupting the lives of ordinary people, rather than focusing on powerful groups and individuals who have a financial interest in promoting the consumption of fossil fuels. Surely there is a risk that Just Stop Oil’s recent actions are likely to alienate public support because of a widespread view (which I share) that pre-historic sites should be treated with respect, given they are part of our shared heritage.
I do not accept that Just Stop Oil’s actions are necessary for publicity. The public is generally aware that climate change is a serious issue. I accept that there are situations where peaceful direct action is justifiable, but I do not feel that the recent action at Stonehenge falls into this category.
In Friendship.
Richard Pashley. Bull St Meeting.
By Richard Pashley on 27th June 2024 - 8:03
Rajan Naidu shows no knowledge of the delicate micro-ecology of lichens, which is disappointing in one who claims to be a climate activist.
His actions have added another ingredient, another nutrient, to the fragile balance which other organisms will now exploit. His actions have done irreversible damage to those stones, subtle damage, damage he may not be bothered with, but damage none the less.
Maybe he can’t understand the fragility of a massive stone monolith, maybe he should sit down to learn.
By Ol Rappaport on 27th June 2024 - 11:56
I find it incomprehensible that a Friend would choose to target a site which is held as sacred by many new-agers and Modern Pagans both groups with insights about climate issues. I doubt a mosque, synagogue or gurdwara would be targeted even though these too would generate considerable publicity.
A&Q 6 &17; come to my mind and might prompt a reconsideration from those involved:
Do you work gladly with other religious groups in the pursuit of common goals? While remaining faithful to Quaker insights, try to enter imaginatively into the life and witness of other communities of faith, creating together the bonds of friendship.
Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern? Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it. When words are strange or disturbing to you, try to sense where they come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions may contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken.
By PeteD on 27th June 2024 - 16:35
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