Support for the idea grows significantly with age
In recent months, campaigners Just Stop Oil have grabbed headlines across the UK with a range of controversial stunts, from throwing soup across Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to spraying paint across the windows of luxury car dealerships.
The Sunflowers stunt attracted widespread condemnation and led to those responsible facing police action for damage to the frame.
That action is likely to have been welcomed by many Britons, given that more than six in ten (62%) say they would back making the defacing of art or public monuments a specific criminal offence, including 41% who say they “strongly” support the idea.
Around three in ten Britons (28%), however, say they would be against making the defacing of art or public monuments a criminal offence, including 18% who are in strong opposition.
While the youngest Britons (18-24 year olds) are divided 38% in favour and 35% against, support grows with each older age group, with those aged 65 and above the most likely to back the rules at 75%.
Both Tory and Labour voters would support criminalisation
Eight in ten Conservative voters (79%) would back making the defacing of art or public monuments a specific criminal offence, as would 51% of Labour supporters. Close to four in ten Labour voters (39%) are opposed, however, a rate twice as high as among Tory voters (19%).
Picture: Getty
