'Flash mob' demo planned at airport

Jan 17 2009

Hundreds of activists opposed to a third runway at Heathrow are due to launch a "flash mob" protest inside one of the airport's terminals.

The action will be the first sign of the mass protests expected to greet the Government's controversial go-ahead for the expansion.

Several environmental, climate change and local residents' groups - including those from the village of Sipson, which will be bulldozed to make way for the new runway - have come together to organise the demonstration.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the Government's decision on Thursday.

Jonathan Stevenson, one of those taking part, said: "This flash mob is bringing together the residents of Sipson, normal citizens who are concerned about climate change and direct action groups. We are all combining our tactics to make sure that the third runway never happens. This is just the beginning."

John Stewart, chairman of local residents' group Hacan, said: "We believe we have won the environmental, social and economic arguments against expansion.

"There will be fury at this decision which flies in the face of the facts, but it will mean that campaigners will redouble their efforts to stop expansion.

"The flash mob is an immediate chance to demonstrate our feelings and show that opposition to expansion is not over for the Government by any stretch of the imagination.

"Campaigners are still confident of ultimate victory and are redoubling their efforts. The decision has been taken by two dinosaurs, Gordon Brown and Geoff Hoon, in collusion with the aviation industry."

The protest will be in the main Terminal Five building at lunchtime, with many of the demonstrators wearing red coloured T-shirts.