Publicity & Politics News
Below are links to stories on protests, publicity events and other aviation stories that have hit the news.
Cold-hearted cops arrest grandfather for writing in the snow
A retired oil refinery worker turned airport campaigner took advantage of the recent snowfall to send a seasonal message to passengers departing Aberdeen airport. The local constabulary promptly arrested the 65-year-old for writing "Plane Stupid - you fly, they die" in diluted red ink on a snowy hilltop near the airport. He was held for 20 hours before being released after an unimpressed procurator fiscal took one look and threw the case out.(Herald)
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Campaigners warn of global refugees created by Scottish airport expansion
Campaigners protested outside the Scottish Parliament in response to new data which indicates that airport expansion in Scotland could create 20,000 climate refugees world-wide by 2050. The protestors, symbolising the 36 Scottish civil servants who fly within the UK every day, handed giant paper aeroplanes to MSPs, including Patrick Harvie and Cathy Peattie, of the Climate Change Committee, urging them to lead the UK by example before it is too late.
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‘Flash Mob’ Protest At Heathrow
Hundreds of activists opposed to a 3rd runway have staged a "flash mob" protest inside the airport's Terminal 5. The action, which saw environmentalists gather with local residents, was the first major demonstration since the Government go-ahead for the expansion plan, and was organised by climate activists and others including residents of Sipson. Showing solidarity for Sipson residents, campaigners said they would move into homes facing destruction. (Sky)
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Heathrow protesters smash glass doors at Department for Transport
A group protesting against the Government's decision to expand Heathrow have smashed glass doors at the DfT. The group, which calls itself The Climate Suffragettes, said 3 women wearing red sashes hurled bricks at the doors of the Westminster building at 4am. The bricks were wrapped in notes that read: "No third runway, the Suffra-jets are back." The DfT confirmed that a window was broken at the Department's Great Minster House corner reception. (Telegraph)
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Northern Climate Rush at Manchester airport
On Monday 12th January "picnics" were held in the Departure Lounges of both Heathrow and Manchester Airports, to mark the Government's imminent announcement on a 3rd Runway at Heathrow, and airport expansion generally. In Manchester there were approximately 40 people sitting down, there were at least 70 officers of Her Majesty's Greater Manchester Constabulary. There were picnic hampers, dancing and general merriment.
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Hundreds of green campaigners hold picnic protest at Heathrow in opposition to third runway plans
Environmental protesters last night gathered at Heathrow - for a picnic. Hundreds of campaigners sat down at Terminal 1 to enjoy cakes and sandwiches as part of a peaceful demonstration against expansion at the west London airport. Backed by a string quartet, the demonstrators sought to emulate the Suffragette movement, making their point in a civilised fashion. A similar anti-expansion protest at Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 took place at the same time. (Mail)
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Protesters hail ‘colourful and fun’ anti-Heathrow demonstration
Hundreds of anti-expansion protesters held a "colourful and fun protest" at Heathrow ahead of the Government’s decision on a proposed 3rd runway. Climate Rush, which organised the Dinner at Domestic Departures, said between 300 and 400 protesters, many in Edwardian costume, descended on Terminal 1 ahead of this week’s expected announcement on whether a third runway will be allowed. It was a peaceful, good natured but very determined protest evening.
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How I became an eco-warrior – Rebecca Frayn
Rebecca is a writer, who with a group of friends and fellow mothers co-founded We CAN (Climate Action Now). They organised a candlelit vigil on Westminster Green before storming the House of Commons in October with Climate Rush and closing the DfT for an hour in November. Now with Climate Rush We Can are taking part in a dinner party in the domestic departures lounge of Heathrow tonight at 7pm to protest against the airport's expansion. (Guardian comment)
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Stansted protesters sentenced to community service amid threat of £2m damages claim
The climate change protesters who brought Stansted airport to a standstill in December were sentenced yesterday, as it emerged that they and others who joined them face the threat of being sued for more than £2m in damages. Most of the 22 campaigners, members of Plane Stupid, were ordered to do between 50 and 90 hours community service after admitting aggravated trespass, and must pay compensation of £60 to cover £3,000 worth of damage to the fence.(Guardian)
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Protest at Belfast City Airport runway extension plan
Campaigners opposed to a runway extension at George Best Belfast City Airport have held a protest at the airport, but the airport was not disrupted. The airport has applied to extend the runway, but residents' groups fear this would lead to larger planes and an increased noise. If allowed, the runway would be extended by 590 metres in the direction of Belfast Lough, which Belfast city Airport Watch said would cause a nightmare for affected residents. (BBC)