Taylor Swift’s jet spared from activists’ orange paint – DW – 20.06.2024

Two climate activists were arrested after spraying planes at an airport near London where Taylor Swift’s private jet is said to have landed.

The group Just Stop Oil said on social media that two women “cut through the fence at Stansted’s private airport where Taylor Swift’s jet is parked and demanded an emergency deal to end fossil fuels by 2030.”

But Essex Police later stated that Swift’s plane was not at the airport at the time of the incident.

Swift, who has previously come under criticism for her use of private jets, is currently touring the UK.

In 2022, she topped a list of celebrities who are “the worst carbon offenders using private jets” compiled by sustainability marketing firm Yard. The report found that her jet had flown 170 times in 2022, with total flight emissions coming in at 8,293.54 tonnes – 1,184.8 times more than the average citizen.

Police assume that there is no danger to passengers

A Stansted Airport spokesman said the incident occurred at the VIP airfield, five kilometres from the main terminal.

The police also stated that there was no danger to the public.

“We were on site almost immediately after learning of this incident, which occurred outside the main passenger terminal,” said Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow.

“We have a constant presence at the airport and this presence will be further strengthened in the summer.”

Stonehenge cleaned in time for the solstice

The plane incident occurred a day after Just Stop Oil activists spray-painted Stonehenge in southwest England.

By Thursday, heritage conservation authorities had removed most of the paint from the prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage site in time for the summer solstice.

The solstice typically draws crowds of spiritualists, druids and sun worshippers to this stone landmark.

zc/lo (AFP, AP, dpa)