Climate Activists Target Magna Carta at British Library

Two climate activists in their 80s, Reverend Sue Parfitt and Judy Bruce, have targeted the iconic Magna Carta at the British Library in London. The historic document, housed in a glass case, was subjected to an attempted damage by the activists who used a lump hammer and chisel to break the protective casing.

The protest, organized by the Just Stop Oil group, involved the activists holding up a sign that read ‘The government is breaking the law,’ while questioning the authority’s adherence to legal principles. The Metropolitan Police intervened and arrested the two individuals on suspicion of criminal damage following the incident.

The British Library, which safeguards two of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, confirmed the attack on the toughened glass case in the treasures gallery. Despite the minimal damage to the casing, the document itself remained unharmed thanks to the prompt security response.

Reverend Sue Parfitt, one of the activists involved, emphasized the importance of addressing climate breakdown, stating that preserving life on earth and climate stability should take precedence over historical artifacts like the Magna Carta. The iconic charter, issued in June 1215, symbolizes the principle that the King and his government are not above the law.

The latest protest comes in the wake of a High Court ruling against the government’s carbon emissions plan. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero defended the UK’s climate change efforts, highlighting the need for stringent measures despite the legal challenges.