Two eco-warriors have been charged with criminal damage after chalk paint was sprayed on Charles Darwin’s grave in Westminster Abbey.

       The 19th century biologist’s grave was sprayed with the words “1.5 is dead” in bright orange writing on Monday.

       Di Bligh, a 77-year-old former chief executive of Reading Council, and Alyson Lee, 66, a retired teaching assistant, will appear in court on February 11 and Bligh will appear on February 12.

       It comes after pictures showed the spray-painted grave on Monday.

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       The slogan “1.5 is dead” was sprayed in reference to attempts to limit global warming to 1.5C and reduce the impact of climate change.

       On January 10, scientists from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that 2024 was the first year to reach an average temperature 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

       World leaders agreed in Paris in 2015 that they would limit global warming to below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

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       The Metropolitan Police said: “Two women will appear in court charged with criminal damage following an incident in Westminster Abbey on Monday, 13 January.

       “Alyson Lee – 66 (20.06.58) of Park Grove, Derby and Diane Bligh – 77 (04.02.47) of Langham Place, Frome and have been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with criminal damage. Lee will appear on 11 February and Bligh on 12 February.

       “The women were arrested after a substance, believed to be a powdered paint, was sprayed on an area inside Westminster Abbey.”