Groups lobbying against the expansion of airports have expressed anger at what, in their eyes, is an outrageous attempt to stop a significant protest taking place at London's Heathrow Airport. The groups state that BAA, the airport operator which owns London Heathrow, is set to implement "ludicrous" measures to ensure "millions of people" are prevented from gaining access to London Heathrow and its environs.

The whole situation revolves around a protest due to take place between August 14^th and 21^st, entitled 'Camp for Climate Action', and which BAA is seeking an imminent injunction against.

BAA highlights its inherent and prime responsibility to safeguard passengers from any potential cause of disruption. The campaign groups, however, have attacked the airport operator's modus operandi, describing it as "legal bullying". They go on further to suggest that "millions of Britons" may be denied access to Heathrow if there is cause to believe that they are linked to the protest. Other affected areas, the protestors say, could include the Piccadilly Line (on the London Underground), certain sections of the 'overground' rail service, and some parts of the M4 and M25 motorways.

Furthermore, the BAA injunction, the groups warn, will likely include a wide variety of campaign groups. Prime candidates for inclusion are those directly opposed to noise and expansion at Heathrow, such as Hacan, as well as Notrag, the No Third Runway Action Group. However, groups such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust would also be banned.

The chairman of Hacan, John Stewart, has commented publically on the move by BAA, describing it as "...the mother of all injunctions". He continued: "Our members are furious. We are not a direct action organisation. Isn't it time for BAA to face up to the fact that Heathrow is big enough already rather than trying to get this ridiculous injunction? Instead of rational argument BAA has resorted to legal bullying."

Further comment came from the Press Secretary of Notrag, Christine Shilling, who added: "It's time BAA got it straight. We need protecting from them. They intend to bulldoze our homes, our schools, destroy our communities, erase our history and ruin our lives. But somehow we are now the threat and not them. It's an Alice in Wonderland logic."

The BAA perspective on events was provided by a spokesman from the airport operating firm, who said: "During the summer holiday period up to 200,000 people pass through Heathrow daily including many families and children. It is these people who would suffer as a result of any unlawful or irresponsible behaviour aimed at disrupting the smooth operation of the airport.

"We respect people's right to protest within the bounds of the law and the airport bylaws and would invite protestors to similarly respect the rights of passengers travelling through Heathrow."

Airport International will aim to provide further coverage of this situation as it develops.

Source - Airport International Newsdesk

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Further Resources:

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