BAA wins Court Order Against Heathrow Protestors
Airport operator BAA has been awarded a favourable High Court ruling under which it can now proceed with defining who can and cannot take part in the ‘Camp for Climate Action’ protest planned at Heathrow Airport later this month. Protestors, however, have highlighted how the perceived victory is fundamentally flawed, given that it is of limited power. For example, the group Airport Watch is not covered by the ban, as, with around five million members, it is simply too large for the regulation to cover. However, ‘Plane Stupid’, with its heritage of so-called “direct action”, will come under the order’s jurisdiction, alongside fears that terrorists might use the logistical chaos to be caused by the camp as an attack-foil. The other groups covered by the injunction are the No Third Runway Action Group and Hacan Clearskies .
Camp for Climate Action is anticipated to draw thousands of people to London Heathrow Airport between 14th and 21st August. In the words of its organisers, the protest stands against the "lunacy of the government's airport expansion plans”.
This new injunction should not impact on those protest participants who intend to act peacefully, but is solely geared towards those intent on shattering the peace. Detailing one prime reason behind the injunction, Mrs Justice Swift today clarified how there was a possibility that "a terrorist group may use the disruption caused by the protesters to perpetrate a terrorist act".
BAA’s injunction and its purpose has been a major news feature within the Airport sector over the past few days. Initially, BAA was accused of potentially excluding access to Heathrow and its surrounds to up to five million people. This, it denied – subsequently issuing a statement in which defended its right to look into “every legal avenue” to safeguard the interests of its employees, and of those passing through Heathrow. Indeed, it is anticipated that 1,500,000 people will use the airport during the week of the protest.
The statement was augmented by comment provided by a spokesman from BBA, who said: "It's our responsibility to make sure we do everything we can to guarantee their safety and comfort”. He added to this that, in the current terrorist-sensitive climate, maintaining Heathrow’s safety and security was paramount, further detailing how any action that could remove police there from their prime duties was “irresponsible”.
Summing up the critical reaction to today’s news, John Stewart of Hacan Clearskies said: "BAA had asked for the mother of all injunctions. They have received the mother of all setbacks."
The ultimate terms of the ban will be decided at a future date.
Source – Airport International’s Political Correspondent
Recent related News Items:
London Heathrow Airport Protest Injunction Update
BAA Seeks Legal Action Against Heathrow Airport Protest
Further Resources:
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