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No Third Runway Decision Day Flashmob

Peter Marshall | 17.01.2009 23:00 | Climate Chaos | Energy Crisis

Following the government decision to press ahead with airport expansion and build a third runway at Heathrow despite the environmental consequences announced earlier in the week, several hundred people turned up at Terminal 5 for a 'flashmob' protest at 12 noon on Saturday (16 Jan 2009.) Pictures Copyright (C) 2009 Peter Marshall, all rights reserved.

Give MPs a vote
Give MPs a vote

Hoon under attack
Hoon under attack

Stop Airport Expansion
Stop Airport Expansion

John McDonnell
John McDonnell

Over our red bodies
Over our red bodies

Conga
Conga

No Third Runway
No Third Runway


Attracting most press attention were four brave young ladies who had saved the ten quid for a red 'STOP AIRPORT EXPANSION' t-shirt and instead opted for red body paint with a black message across their midriffs, 'Simply No Slaughter' and a pair of strategically placed gold sticking plasters proclaiming 'art' and 'port' (port was indeed on the left.)

Among them were many of the locals who have led the long term opposition to the project, including some I photographed on the march in 2003 in Sipson and Harmondsworth, as well of course as John Stewart of HACAN and local MP John McDonnell who many were congratulating for his seizure of the mace in the House of Commons when the announcement was made.

For three-quarters of an hour the demonstrators chanted, threw red balloons in the air and red tennis balls at an 'Aunt Sally' of Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon and conga'ed around the area and had there pictures taken by a large squad of photographers including some from the national press and some TV crews.

They were watched by a few of those waiting to check in and rather more police and airport security staff who made a loose ring around event. But although the atmosphere before the demonstration had appeared a little tense, with police making continued patrols through the departure area presumably looking for trouble-makers, they seemed pretty relaxed - and some were clearly amused by what was happening.

Finally Stewart thanked us all for coming, and repeated the determination of all those involved to keep up the fight to ensure that despite the decision, the runway will never be built. McDonnell was given a cheer for his action in parliament and everyone was invited to take a last chance to pelt Hoon before we all slipped away to the undedrground and bus stations.

More pictures on My London Diary shortly:  http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2009/01/jan.htm#t5

Peter Marshall
- e-mail: petermarshall@cix.co.uk
- Homepage: http://mylondondiary.co.uk

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  1. Saturday 17th January — Peter Marshall