Just Stop Oil activists throw tomato soup on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

Just Stop Oil activists have thrown Heinz tomato soup over Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece ‘Sunflower’ at the National Gallery in London.

Climate activists clung to the £84m painting during the latest demonstration following a series of eco-warrior stunts this week.

After the protester threw soup on the painting, which has a glass lid, Phoebe Plummer, 21, he shouted: ‘Which is worth more, art or life?

‘Is it worth more than food? More than justice?

‘Are you more concerned about protecting a painting, or protecting our planet and people?

“The cost of living is part of the cost of the oil crisis.”

Activist Anna Holland, 20, from Newcastle said: ‘British families will be forced to choose between heating or eating this winter as fossil fuel companies make record profits.

‘But the costs of oil and gas are not limited to our bills. Somalia is now facing an apocalyptic famine, triggered by drought and fueled by the climate crisis.

Millions are forced to relocate and tens of thousands are at risk of starvation. This is the future we choose as we push for new oil and gas.’

The protesters were surrounded by a group of photographers and journalists when they attacked the painting, before the press was asked to leave by National Gallery Staff.

More to follow.