Environmental activists from across the UK are set to “adopt” Heathrow residents to support them in their fight against a third runway and prepare them to defend their homes in the event of BAA being given permission to build the runway. The activists are being brought together by Plane Stupid. Thirty residents have initially asked to be adopted. Many more are expected to join as the scheme spreads over the coming months.
30th March: Threatened residents launch an “Adopt-A-Resident” scheme with Plane Stupid
St Mary’s Church Hall, High St, Harmondsworth at 3pm
Residents and activists will be paired off as they names are drawn out of a hat
A short quiz will be held and tea and coffee will be served
There will be an opportunity for pictures and interviews
Environmental activists from across the UK are set to “adopt” Heathrow residents to support them in their fight against a third runway and prepare them to defend their homes in the event of BAA being given permission to build the runway. The activists are being brought together by Plane Stupid. Thirty residents have initially asked to be adopted. Many more are expected to join as the scheme spreads over the coming months (1).
On Monday 30th March at 3pm the residents will meet the activists who will adopt them. Over tea and cakes in St Mary’s Church Hall in Harmondsworth residents and activists will be paired off. Each household will be allocated an “affinity” support group. There will be at least one person from each support group present on Monday.
Residents will be adopted by affinity groups from as far away as Scotland and Cornwall. Some of the country’s most experienced environmental activists will be involved (2).
Local resident Lynne Davies said, “We are very excited about this scheme. Many local people are feeling very vulnerable with the threat of a third runway hanging over them. They will appreciate this support. And it shows our determination to stay put. We don’t believe the new runway will ever be built but this link up with the young activists sends a clear signal to the Government and BAA that we are not alone.”
Plane Stupid spokesperson Leo Murray said, “The campaign against a third runway at Heathrow has become the front line in the fight against climate change in the UK. People with experience of Twyford Down and Newbury will be joining newer activists to support the residents defend their homes and gardens.”
He added, “The lessons of the anti-roads movement have been well and truly learnt. Preparations for resistance are starting much earlier than was the case at Twyford Down or Newbury. If plans for a third runway are not dropped, the Government will face a campaign of organised resistance.
John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN, who was involved in the roads protests of the 1990s, said, “We expect that, if Labour loses the next General Election, expansion plans will be dropped but if they are not I fully expect all sorts of unlikely people to take direct action to stop a third runway ever being built.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors and Picture Editors:
(1). Residents taking part in the Scheme are not all from Sipson which would be demolished to make way for a third runway but also from the surrounding areas of Harmondworth, Harlington and West Drayton where people would be left living with in 100 yards of the new runway or the proposed 6th terminal.
(2). Activists present will include:
Leo Murray, who protested on the roof of the House of Commons with Plane Stupid
Lilly Kember, who took part in the occupation of Stansted runway
Paul Morozzo, who was involved in direct action at Twyford Down and the M11 Link Road
Leila Deen, who recently poured green custard over Peter Mandelson
Dan Glass, who last year superglued himself to the Prime Minister
Beth Stratford, who helped stop the coal train on its way to Drax Power Station
Johnny Agnew, who recently took part in the occupation of the taxiway at Aberdeen Airport
For further information contact:
Leo Murray, Plane Stupid, on 07847204469
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641; 07957385650
Lynne Davies (Sipson resident) 0208 759 9986