At least 15 arrested at massive ‘die-in’ protest at Heathrow over airport expansion

At least 15 people have been arrested at a major demonstration against a third runway at Heathrow. Grassroots organisation RisingUp! held the protest after it was announced that the Government would be backing the £16 billion plan to expand Europe’s busiest airport with a third runway. Announcing the massive ‘die-in’ on the M4 spur road before the protest, the group said: ‘The Government’s decision to expand Heathrow, despite mass opposition from local residents and the fact that doing so is incompatible with the UK’s own laws on climate change, leaves us with no morally acceptable option but to resist. ‘Only 15% of the British public is responsible for 70% of international flights taken in the UK, and Heathrow largely serves international passengers who have a mean income of £57,000 per year. ‘This expansion is being driven by the very rich at the expense of some of the poorest people in the world. ‘By 2050 there will be 200 million climate refugees worldwide. Agricultural land in the global south will turn to desert, depriving millions of their right to economic development and driving them into hunger and malnutrition.’ Campaigners help up signs which read ‘protect the planet, no more runways’ and ‘residents against aircraft noise’. They could also be heard chanting: ‘No ifs, no buts, no third runway’. One local resident, Neil Keveren from Harmondsworth, said: ‘Democracy has failed us. Elected leaders have totally reversed the will of the people. ‘As a direct result the quality of life and life expectancy of the population here will be shorter. This is against our human rights and must be defended. ‘Who is left to correct this injustice when our politicians won’t? The answer is us, you and me.’ Lib Dem candidate for Richmond Park Sarah Olney, former climate change secretary Ed Davey and Ukip’s Suzanne Evans also turned up to voice their opposition to the plans. In response to the demonstration, a spokeswoman for Heathrow said the airport’s expansion did not mean a choice between delivering for the economy and protecting the environment. She added: ‘Independent analysis by the Airports Commission has found that building and operating an additional runway at Heathrow is compatible with the UK meeting its long-term climate change reduction targets. ‘The Independent Committee on Climate Change has also shown that a 60% growth in passenger numbers in the United Kingdom can be achieved within the UK’s Climate Change Targets.’