Winston Churchill Statue Vandalized with Pro-Palestine Graffiti in Parliament Square
The historic bronze statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square has been vandalized overnight, with red paint and pro-Palestine slogans covering the monument in the early hours of Friday, February 27, 2026. The statue, which has stood in the square since 1973, was found defaced with phrases such as 'Zionist War Criminal' and 'Stop the Genocide' written across its plinth, along with 'Free Palestine' on the statue itself.
Police Response and Cleanup Efforts
The area around the statue has been cordoned off, with police officers standing guard nearby. According to an eyewitness, cleanup operations are currently underway to remove the graffiti and restore the monument. This incident has drawn significant attention on social media, where users have expressed mixed reactions to the vandalism.
Social Media Reactions and Historical Context
On X, one user commented, 'Defacing historical monuments doesn’t advance a debate it just escalates it. Disagreements about history should be argued not spray-painted.' This is not the first time the Churchill statue has been targeted; in 2021, Chelsea fans marked it with club-related graffiti, and it was protected by officers during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and vigils for Sarah Everard in 2021.
Details of the Statue and Location
The statue stands 12 feet tall and is made of bronze, positioned opposite the Palace of Westminster with a direct view of the Houses of Parliament. Its prominent location makes it a frequent site for political demonstrations and acts of vandalism, reflecting ongoing tensions in public discourse.
As authorities work to address the damage, this event highlights the broader issues of protest methods and the preservation of historical landmarks in London.
