Protest Group Plans to Disrupt London Heathrow Operations Using Drones
Jackie Reddy June 04, 2019
Environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion has revealed it will disrupt operations at LHR in June and July. It plans to undertake a protest against the expansion of LHR. While the group has publicly apologized for the disruption, the action has been strongly criticized by airport authorities.
Environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion has announced that it will be attempting to disrupt operations at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) later on this summer, The Independent reports. The outlet explains that it has requested that its supporters use non-violent tactics to disrupt traffic at the airport on June 18th and between July 1st and July 10th.
The group has said that it will be deploying drones in the hopes of suspending operations at LHR and the impetus of the protest, the outlet reports, is the controversial expansion of the facility.
In a statement issued last week, the group explained that, “On June 18, we plan to carry out nonviolent direct action to ensure Heathrow Authorities close the airport for the day, to create a “pause” in recognition of the genocidal impact of high carbon activities, such as flying, upon the natural world. If the Government does not cancel all Heathrow expansion, Extinction Rebellion will act to shut the airport down for up to 10 days from July 1.”
“We understand the action will cause disruption to a great number of holiday makers, however we believe that it is necessary given the prospect of far greater disruption caused by ecological and societal collapse, if we don’t act now. Holiday makers are being given advance notice to change travel plans,” it added.
Offering its comments on the planned disruption, a spokesperson for LHR criticized the group’s protest plans, saying, “This is reckless action that if carried out could endanger the lives of the traveling public and our colleagues.”
“We agree with the need to act on climate change, but that requires us to work together constructively – not commit serious criminal offenses just as hardworking people prepare to spend a well-earned holiday with their family and friends,” they added.
[Featured Image: Microdrones GmbH]
You’re Reading
Why can't the police just shoot them down?
I look at this as a terrorist threat. Hopefully the terrorists are dealt with as such and punished severely. No room in today's society for people who want to other people's lives at-risk all in the name of drawing attention to a cause. Pretty sure that's how ISIS works, too.
I am tempted to send to use my miles and fly out there so I can hand out "exit bags" and helium canisters to the protesters. If they want to save the Earth they can begin with themselves and eliminating their impact. ^ Voluntarily, of course.
Despite her concern about CO2 emissions, the day after she spoke at the Extinction Rebellion protest in Oxford Circus, London last month 'actress' Emma Thompson flew First Class from Heathrow to New York.
Have fun in jail.