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Climate demo 'action day' begins | Climate demo 'action day' begins |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Climate change campaigners have begun a march near Heathrow Airport at the start of 24 hours of direct action. | |
Protesters began marching at midday to mark out the 3km (1.8 mile) route of the airport's proposed third runway. | |
There were a few minor scuffles as police officers encircled one group during their procession. | |
The BBC's Nicola Pearson said about 700 people were taking part in the action which will include a protest at the headquarters of airport operator BAA. | |
Organisers say 1,400 people are taking part. | |
Police say they are confident they will be able to contain the action. | |
BAA has said it will not be commenting on the day of action. | |
Map of proposed Heathrow expansion and climate camp | Map of proposed Heathrow expansion and climate camp |
Protesters left the camp - situated between the M4 motorway and the airport's northern perimeter in west London - in separate groups to begin their march. | |
A police van led a group of several hundred people in a slow march from their camp down to Sipson Village, where part of the new runway is expected to be located. | |
Banners carried slogans such as "You Fly, They Die", "Climate Change Kills" and "No Third Runway: Sipson Village RIP". | |
They are campaigning against Heathrow's planned expansion because, they say, it will contribute to climate change. | |
There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough Alex HarveyCampaigner | |
Protester Layla Harris said: "We have had enough of the prioritisation of economic growth over the future of our planet. | Protester Layla Harris said: "We have had enough of the prioritisation of economic growth over the future of our planet. |
"We are part of a growing global movement of ordinary people that will stop climate change." | "We are part of a growing global movement of ordinary people that will stop climate change." |
A spokeswoman for the Camp for Climate Action said members of the local community had joined the demonstration. | A spokeswoman for the Camp for Climate Action said members of the local community had joined the demonstration. |
Protesters plan to arrive at BAA's corporate headquarters, adjacent to Heathrow, at 1500 BST. | Protesters plan to arrive at BAA's corporate headquarters, adjacent to Heathrow, at 1500 BST. |
Alex Harvey, one of the campaigners at the camp, said the siege would last until Monday morning. | Alex Harvey, one of the campaigners at the camp, said the siege would last until Monday morning. |
Organisers say 1,400 protesters are taking part in the action | |
But while she said it would remain peaceful, she could not guarantee it would be lawful. | But while she said it would remain peaceful, she could not guarantee it would be lawful. |
"There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough," she said. | "There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough," she said. |
BAA said they did not plan to comment on the protest. | |
About 1,800 police officers will be deployed to the site on Sunday during "peak times". | About 1,800 police officers will be deployed to the site on Sunday during "peak times". |
Ms Harvey said if police intervened to stop the campaigners reaching BAA's offices, they would be protecting the interests of the corporation over the needs of the people. | Ms Harvey said if police intervened to stop the campaigners reaching BAA's offices, they would be protecting the interests of the corporation over the needs of the people. |
Police say the protesters are on the site - a sports ground belonging to Imperial College London - illegally. | Police say the protesters are on the site - a sports ground belonging to Imperial College London - illegally. |
The campaigners insist they cannot be evicted without a court order as long as no criminal damage is committed. | The campaigners insist they cannot be evicted without a court order as long as no criminal damage is committed. |
Airport operator BAA has obtained a High Court injunction banning certain protest groups from the airport. | Airport operator BAA has obtained a High Court injunction banning certain protest groups from the airport. |
A fifth terminal will open at Heathrow in March 2008 and a new runway has been proposed by the government for about 2020. | A fifth terminal will open at Heathrow in March 2008 and a new runway has been proposed by the government for about 2020. |
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