Red paint smeared on Scottish Parliament in climate protest

Protestors have said they "won't stop" despite two people being arrested

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 27th Apr 2023
Last updated 27th Apr 2023

Two people have been arrested after splashing red paint across the front wall of the Scottish Parliament.

Protestors from the group 'This is Rigged' who have been targeting First Minister's Questions with interruptions in the Chamber for weeks, took their protests outside today (April 27).

The group are calling for an end to all oil and gas exploration in Scotland - and say they will not stop protesting and could even take demonstrations elsewhere, including to the industry itself.

Police say a 23-year-old and 26-year-old were arrested around noon.

In a press release 'This is Rigged' said:

“There is no such thing as being “neutral” when it comes to new oil and gas developments. Our first minister can either do everything in his power to stick up for life and oppose all new oil and gas, or he can pander to the oil and gas industry.

"Right now, he, and others in government and in parliament are choosing the latter. I don’t want Humza Yousaf or any other politician in Holyrood to feel comfortable with their current position on oil and gas.

“Banning us from parliament is not going to stop the disruption."

Police Scotland said:

"Two woman, 26 and 23, have been arrested and charged in connection with vandalism and a breach of the peace after paint was thrown at the Scottish Parliament building during a protest in Edinburgh this afternoon.

"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."

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