1:02pm Tuesday 31st July 2007
By Alex Hayes
THE EALING Green Party has joined in the calls to stop BAA taking out one of the most far reaching injunctions ever, to prevent a peaceful protest outside Heathrow Airport.
Climate Camp is due to be held from August 14 to 21, but the injunction would stop members of the National Trust, the RSPB, the Woodland Trust and Friends of the Earth from entering the airport or going on sections of the M4, M25 and a platform at Paddington station.
The High Court is due to rule on the case tomorrow, August 1, with the airport owners claiming the injunction is for security reasons.
Sarah Edwards of the Ealing Green Party, said: "Airport staff and the police are geared up for a major terrorist attack, so it laughable to suggest that they could not cope with any action that might arise from a handful of protestors.
"The real reason for this absurd and draconian action by BAA is to stifle protest and dissent.
"People could be visiting the climate camp just to find out about Heathrow expansion or attend a discussion on climate change, but BAA wants to criminalise them.
"We look to the police to oppose the injunction on the grounds that their job is to address crime, not stifle protest about climate change and we look to Ealing council and the opposition parties to support the democratic right of their residents to engage in peaceful protest and to travel freely in West London."
Leader of Ealing Council Jason Stacey said: ""We support free speech and the right of people to demonstrate, but we note that the police have concerns about the potential for disruption to travellers and other members of the public.
"We urge the organisers to take account of these concerns and work with the police and BAA so peaceful demonstrations can go ahead."
A spokesman for BAA said: ""Heathrow Airport Ltd has applied for an injunction to protect the operation of the airport and the safety of passengers and staff against the planned direct action by environmental activists, between 14-21 August.
"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 byelaws and would invite protestors to similarly respect the rights of passengers travelling through Heathrow."
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