In a dramatic turn of events, two activists from the environmental group Just Stop Oil managed to infiltrate a private area of Stansted Airport in London, targeting what they believed to be Taylor Swift’s private jet. The activists, Jennifer Kowalski, 28, and Cole Macdonald, 22, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after spraying orange paint on two private jets.
Just Stop Oil claimed on social media that they had cut through the fence of the private airfield where they believed Swift’s jet was parked. They demanded an emergency treaty to end fossil fuel use by 2030. However, Essex Police later confirmed that Swift’s aircraft was not at the airport during the incident.
Taylor Swift, who has faced criticism for her frequent use of private jets, is currently on tour in the UK. In 2022, she topped a list of celebrities with the highest private jet CO2 emissions, according to a report by sustainability marketing firm Yard. Her jet reportedly flew 170 times that year, emitting 8,293.54 tonnes of CO2, which is 1,184.8 times more than the average person.
The incident at Stansted Airport occurred at around 5am, with the activists using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to deface the jets. Video footage released by Just Stop Oil showed the pair cutting through a wire fence and crawling under it to gain access to the airfield. They then sprayed the jets before sitting in front of their handiwork.
Essex Police responded quickly to the breach, arresting the two activists on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use or operation of national infrastructure. Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow reassured the public that there was no threat to passengers and that the airport and flights were operating as normal. He emphasized that the police maintain a constant presence at the airport, which will be heightened over the summer period.
Stansted Airport also released a statement confirming that the incident took place away from the main terminal and that no flights were disrupted. The airport’s operations were briefly suspended as a precaution, but normal service resumed shortly after.
The protest at Stansted is part of a series of high-profile disruptions by Just Stop Oil. Just a day before, the group had spray-painted Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with orange paint. The paint was mostly removed in time for the summer solstice, which draws crowds of spiritualists, druids, and sun worshippers to the landmark.
The activists’ actions have sparked a debate about the use of private jets by celebrities and the environmental impact of such travel. Taylor Swift’s private jet usage has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Swift’s jet is often chartered out for private use when she is not flying herself, but this has not quelled the criticism.
In response to the protest, Just Stop Oil reiterated their demand for a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030. They argue that the current system allows extreme wealth to be accrued by a few, to the detriment of the environment and the majority of the population. The group believes that drastic measures are necessary to prevent the complete collapse of natural systems.
The incident at Stansted Airport has also raised questions about airport security. Aviation expert Julian Bray suggested that the protesters could be prosecuted under Air Navigation Laws with intent to endanger an aircraft, rather than just criminal damage. He called for a review of security measures at private terminals to prevent such breaches in the future.
As Taylor Swift continues her tour in the UK, the debate over her private jet usage and the broader issue of fossil fuel consumption is likely to persist. The actions of Just Stop Oil have brought these issues to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for action to address climate change.
