Two women in 80s charged after Magna Carta protest at the British Library

The protesters were arrested on Friday morning

The British Library
Author: Press AssociationPublished 11th May 2024
Last updated 11th May 2024

Two women in their 80s have been charged with criminal damage after the glass around the Magna Carta at the British Library was attacked.

Reverend Sue Parfitt, 82, from Bristol, and Judith Bruce, 85, from Swansea, were arrested on Friday morning and have been charged with criminal damage, the Metropolitan Police said.

Two protesters targeted the protective enclosure around the historic document with a hammer and chisel on Friday morning.

Just Stop Oil said the pair then held up a sign reading "The Government is breaking the law" before gluing themselves to the display.

A statement from the British Library said its security team "intervened to prevent further damage to the case, which was minimal" and "the Magna Carta itself remains undamaged".

The gallery that houses the display is closed until further notice, it added.

The pair were released on bail and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 20.

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".