The historic statue of suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square has been targeted by activists, who daubed it with red paint in the early hours of this morning. The group 'Palestine Action' has claimed responsibility for the act, drawing a controversial parallel between the fight for women's votes and the current conflict in Gaza.
A Symbolic Target
The monument, which commemorates Fawcett's pivotal role in securing women's right to vote, was left splattered with red paint. A plaque attached to the statue by the activists read: "From the suffragettes to the Palestinians, the fight for freedom is unfinished." The incident has sparked immediate condemnation from politicians and heritage groups alike.
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as criminal damage and are reviewing CCTV footage from around Parliament Square. A spokesperson stated that enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible and that the graffiti is being removed by specialist cleaners.
Divided Reactions
The action has ignited a fierce debate. Palestine Action defends the vandalism as a necessary act to highlight what they call "Britain's complicity in the oppression of Palestinians."
However, critics have lambasted the move. A spokesperson for the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality, called it "a profound misreading of history" that disrespects the legacy of the peaceful suffragist movement. Heritage England also condemned the defacement of a protected monument.
A History of Controversial Protests
This event is the latest in a string of high-profile attacks on public monuments by activist groups. It raises ongoing questions about the line between political protest and criminal damage, and how historical symbols are co-opted for contemporary causes.
