Heathrow hit by climate change protest
By Ian Dunt
Heathrow has been hit by climate change protests tonight as the government prepares to make a decision over a third runway.
The protest is being organised by a group called Climate Rush, whose slogan, on their website, reads: “Deeds not words.”
A number of high profile political figures, including Susan Kramer MP, who leads the Liberal Democrats’ campaign against expansion are expected to attend the demonstration.
Earlier police warned they had been unable to plan the protest with activists, who refused their offers of cooperation.
“Attempts by the police to contact individuals to work with us to prearrange the facilitation of this protest have not been accepted,” a Met spokesperson said.
“Any activity that draws police away from their primary function of protecting the airport is at least irresponsible.”
Reports this evening suggest around 160 people descended on Heathrow to carry out the sit-down demonstration.
Ms Kramer earlier suggested the police should exercise a proportionate response to the protest.
“I very much hope the police will concentrate on what they need to do at the airport and not get themselves tied up over a group of ladies knitting,” she told politics.co.uk.
Protest organisers have promised not to disturb journeys from the airport.
“Our argument is not with those who must fly,” a statement on the group’s website read.
“To this end we shall do our utmost to allow airport users to go about their business. We will keep pathways clear for everyone and ensure no one trips on our dinner party accoutrement.”
The dinner party comment is a reference to the theme of the protest, which is of an Edwardian picnic party.
“I thought it was rather wonderfully British,” Ms Kramer said. “We’re going to have a protest picnic. You tell me what other nation would do it through a picnic.”
An announcement on the third runway is widely expected this week, although Department for Transport officials insist no date had been set and no decision has been taken.
Both opposition parties oppose a new runway. The Liberal Democrats will make a firm commitment in their manifesto to overturn any decision to proceed with the expansion.
“The fight will not end if the government gives the green light to a third runway this week,” said Lib Dem transport spokesman Norman Baker.
“We will challenge this all the way.”
Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said: “The economic case for expansion has not been made. In any event, building a third runway would not provide any jobs at all for the people who need them now since the planning process would take years to complete.”
More than 50 Labour MPs are opposed to the proposal, and environment secretary Hilary Benn has voiced reservations about it.
