Publicity & Politics News
Below are links to stories on protests, publicity events and other aviation stories that have hit the news.
Parliament climate change protesters threaten further disruption
Climate change protesters who stormed the Houses of Parliament have threatened further demonstrations unless the Government adopts more eco-friendly policies. Six people were arrested after an attempt to recreate the suffragettes' "rush" on parliament 100 years ago, during an otherwise peaceful protest in Westminster. Rosie Boycott said the campaigners were "determined, organised and mobilised", and ready for further action. (Telegraph)
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Uproar as Newham Council gives go-ahead to City Airport Expansion
There was uproar in Newham Town Hall as the Council gave the go-ahead for a 50% increase in flights despite the admission by the airport that all the noise measurements it has taken since 2000 are unlikely to be accurate. Airport representatives told the Council’s Planning Committee that, because of technical difficulties, they had not been able to take accurate noise measurements for the last 8 years. A legal challenge is likely. (FtF and HACAN)
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Protest by the Woodland Trust against Stansted runway
A group of "trees" gathered outside BAA's offices in London to protest against the loss of ancient woodland which a second runway at Stansted Airport would cause. The campaigners from the Woodland Trust dressed up as the trees of ancient Philipland Wood, one of five ancient forest sites which would be lost if the second runway goes ahead. (AOL)
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Climate protester disrupts Ryanair AGM (Ireland)
Ryanair’s AGM was disrupted by a climate change activist in Dublin. A topless protester approached the top of the meeting in Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport, to where Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary was on the podium. The protest was organised by a group calling itself Plane Mad, who are campaigning for the responsible use of aviation, and say aviation will negate all other CO2 reductions in Ireland if curent growth continues. (Irish Times)
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Frankfurt airport direct action camp
Campaigners against the expansion of Frankfurt airport have been squatting the forest of Kelsterbach, where the airport's bosses plan to clearcut 100,000 trees to build a new runway. The runway would double the number of flights, destroying any last remenant of peace and quiet for local residents. (Plane Stupid)
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Eco-protest by Plane Stupid hits Gatwick
Eco-activists breached security at Gatwick airport today in a protest against short-haul flights. Two campaigners clambered on to the roof rafters in the arrivals lounge, unfurling a banner urging travellers to use trains rather than planes. Two more activists handcuffed themselves to railings on a mezzanine floor, and others handed out leaflets. The campaign of disruption coincides with a protest camp near Kingsnorth power station in Kent. (Evening Standard)
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Plane Stupid activist glues himself to Gordon Brown’s suit
Downing Street laughed off an attempt by a climate-change protester to superglue himself to Gordon Brown. Activist Dan Glass had been attending an event in Number 10 to recognise the contribution of the voluntary sector. As he was about to shake hands with the PM, Mr Glass tried to attach himself with a glue covered hand to his suit, and demanded to know why the Government was ignoring objections to a third runway at Heathrow. (BBC, Telegraph etc)
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Vincent Cable and Jenny Jones join Heathrow Flash Mob Protest
Around 100 people assembled outside the Department for Tranpsort to form a Flashmob and, at just after 11 o'clock, stripped off to reveal their "Stop Airport Expansion" t-shirts. They then threw paper planes towards the DfT, in a symbolic gesture against Ruth Kelly's expansion plans. A spokesman said: "Ruth Kelly refuses to talk with residents and campaigners. So we are bringing our messages to her in our own special way."
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Greenpeace Heathrow protestors fined £5,700
Five Greenpeace protestors who climbed on top of a British Airways passenger jet at Heathrow Airport were convicted of various offences in court on 24th June. They pleaded guilty to being in a restricted zone, boarding an aircraft and demonstrating in an airport at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court. (UK Airport News)
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NATS protest on 19th June 2008 – photos
NATS protest 19.6.2008 - some photos