On Thursday, June 20, two climate activists were arrested for trespassing and vandalism at London Stansted Airport (STN). These activists, who were a part of the climate activist group, Just Stop Oil, allegedly cut through a wire fence at the airport early Thursday. The climate activists then used a fire extinguisher to cover several private jets in a coat of orange spray paint. London Stansted Airport is also the airfield that Taylor Swift flew her private jet into just hours before the incident occurred.
Just Stop Oil Activists Demand an End to Fossil Fuels
The incident occurred early in the morning on June 20. The two environmentalists, Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald, allegedly entered the airport at 05:00 local time. The two activists were able to enter the airport by cutting through the chain-link fence that surrounded the nearby private terminal. Kowalski and Macdonald then used a fire extinguisher to spray orange paint on at least two private jets, per AP News.
The environmental group, Just Stop Oil, took credit for the incident later that morning. A spokesperson for the group stated,
“Whilst governments are allowing oil corporations to run amok destroying our communities, the actions of individuals mean very little. That’s why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.”
The Essex police have reported that both Macdonald and Kowalski were arrested. The Essex police said in a statement,
“A 22-year-old woman from Brighton, and a 28-year-old woman from Dumbarton, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure.”
The incident occurred near one of the airport’s private terminals, which is about three miles from the airport’s main terminal. Essex police stated that there was no immediate threat to the public.
Taylor Swift’s Private Jet
Allegedly, the famous pop star’s private jet arrived at the airport just hours before the incident occurred. Just Stop Oil stated that London Stansted Airport is where Swift’s jet was located, but Essex police have reported that the aircraft was not at the airfield at the time of the incident. Swift had arrived in London to perform three shows, as a part of her world-famous Eras Tour, this upcoming weekend.
Swift, who flies in a Dassault Falcon 7X, has come under scrutiny recently for her extensive use of her private jet. According to JetSpy, Swift’s private jet has operated a total of 97 flights so far this year. These flights have accumulated to a total flight time of 216 hours. Per JetSpy, these flights have utilised over 77,000 total gallons of fuel. This is estimated to equal about 742 metric tons of carbon emissions.
Swift, who flies in a Dassault Falcon 7X, has come under scrutiny recently for her extensive use of her private jet. According to JetSpy, Swift’s private jet has operated a total of 97 flights so far this year. These flights have accumulated to a total flight time of 216 hours. Per JetSpy, these flights have utilised over 77,000 total gallons of fuel. This is estimated to equal about 742 metric tons of carbon emissions.
