“Mark Constantine of Lush Cosmetics finances activists”
“THE wealthy founder of Lush Cosmetics is the unlikely financier of radical environmental activists that caused chaos at a British airport this week.
“Mark Constantine, whose chain includes 12 Australian stores, donated more than $40,000 to anti-aviation campaigners including the direct-action group Plane Stupid.
“More than 50 members of the group stormed the runway at Stansted Airport, just outside London, on Monday.
“Thousands of passengers were left stranded because of cancelled or delayed flights, including one woman who missed her father’s funeral.
“Mr Constantine, 56, will help pay the legal bills of arrested protesters and has vowed to provide financial support for future campaigns.
“‘I will be supporting them as much as I possibly can,’ he said.
“‘I do find it a bit odd that environmental protesters can be suddenly treated as terrorists. Surely it is a good thing that they are encouraging everybody to think about the environment. I cannot see much wickedness in it…’”