Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liam Gallagher issues warning to Just Stop Oil after Stonehenge stunt

Oasis rocker took issue with the latest Just Stop Oil stunt

Maira Butt
Friday 21 June 2024 04:41 EDT
Comments
Just Stop Oil spray Stonehenge orange

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rock star Liam Gallagher has expressed his disgruntlement with Just Stop Oil protesters who doused the ancient ruins of Stonehenge with orange paint.

The climate activists took part in the action on Wednesday (19 June), as they demanded the next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.

Video footage of the protest shows two people in Just Stop Oil t-shirts, named by the group as Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, running up to the ancient structure with canisters of orange powder paint.

The former Oasis star turned to social media to share this thoughts on the defacement as he warned, “Don’t f*** with the stones man, they have mystical powers. Hope they all wake up tmoz and are all orange toads.”

The action comes ahead of the summer solstice on Thursday (20 June), the longest day of the year and traditionally a spiritually significant period at the site. The stones are considered to be an epicentre of special energy, visited by druids and pagans. Thousands were expected to descend on the site to celebrate the event.

Lynch, a student from Oxford, said: “Stonehenge at solstice is all about celebrating the natural world – but look at the state it’s in! We all have a right to live a life free from suffering, but continued burning of oil, coal and gas is leading to death and suffering on an unparalleled scale.

“It’s time for us to think about what our civilisation will leave behind – what is our legacy? Standing inert for generations works well for stones – not climate policy.”

Gallagher hoped the protesters would wake up as ‘orange toads’
Gallagher hoped the protesters would wake up as ‘orange toads’ (Getty Images/ PA)

Gallagher was joined by prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer in condemnation of the protest.

Sunak said that the campaign group should be “ashamed of their activists” while Starmer added, “The damage done to Stonehenge is outrageous. Just Stop Oil are pathetic. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.”

Wiltshire Police said officers had attended the scene and arrested two people.

Gallagher is currently on a solo tour around the UK to mark the the 30th anniversary of his band’s debut album, Definitely, Maybe.

His comments come amid escalating rumours of the band’s reunion.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in