Highlights
– Large-scale demonstration held against expansions plans for Heathrow Airport
– Event follows several previous actions staged by environmental activists against the airport since the start of 2008
– Protests and acts of civil disobedience to continue in the near to mid-term
On May 31, 2008, environmental activists staged a large-scale demonstration against the proposed expansion of Heathrow International Airport in London. The mass rally and protest were organized by various groups, such as Campaign for Climate Change, Plane Stupid, and London Friends of the Earth, and were attended by both local and international activists.
As stated previously, we believe that activists will continue to hold protests and other events against the expansion of Heathrow Airport in the near to mid-term, in an effort to force the British government to halt these plans.
Protest Draws 3,000 Activists
While protest organizers initially stated that the demonstration was expected to draw over 10,000 individuals, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that about 3,000 activists attended the event. Those participating met at the Hatton Cross underground station, and then took part in a march along the eastern side of Heathrow Airport to Sipson village, where about 700 homes will be destroyed if the expansion plans are approved. Activists then formed a human chain to spell out the word “no,” which they hoped would be visible from passing airplanes.
Several roads around the airport were closed off due to the demonstration, causing some travel disruptions in the local area. However, the rally was largely peaceful and there were no reports of arrests or outbreaks of violence.
According to media reports, several local authorities participated in the protest, to include council leaders and members of Parliament. London’s Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes was one of several individuals who gave speeches at the event.
Environmental activists from throughout the United Kingdom as well as France and Greece attended the demonstration, along with members of the local community concerned about the proposed expansion.
Past Events Against the Expansion of Heathrow
Over the past several months, environmental activists have staged other events in protest of the plans to expand Heathrow Airport.
• In February 2008, five activists from Plane Stupid evaded security at Britain’s Houses of Parliament, where they climbed to the roof, hung a banner, and launched paper airplanes at those below (Previous Report).
• Also in February 2008, activists from Greenpeace breached security at Heathrow Airport and were able to reach the tarmac, climb on top of a British Airways plane, and hang a banner from the plane’s tail (Previous Report).
• In March 2008, environmental activists staged a “flash mob” or a “large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an usual action for a brief period of time, then quickly disperse,” at Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5.
Further Protests Likely
As stated previously, environmental groups have pledged to continue demonstrations against the expansion of Heathrow until the government decides to halt these plans. Following the recent demonstration on May 31, 2008, one of the event organizers warned that, “if the government does [not] reverse its policy, people will become politically frustrated. The third runway will not be built- I’m talking civil disobedience.”
Additionally, the upcoming annual Camp for Climate Action, which is scheduled for August 3 till August 11, 2008 in the United Kingdom, includes a one-day event at Heathrow airport to “continue the fight against airport expansion.” While the specific date for this event has not been announced, a large turnout is expected (Previous Report).
The British government concluded the public consultation period regarding the expansion plans in February 2008, however final decisions on the plans are not expected until next year. As such, protests are likely to continue in the run up to the final decisions, and potentially after depending on the outcome.
We maintain that the majority of future actions held by environmental groups against the airport will be peaceful protests interspersed with acts of civil disobedience that remain non-violent in nature.
