The group is protesting against the planned expansion of the airport. The action is the latest in a string of high-profile actions by Plane Stupid across the UK, who see the growth of the aviation sector as the biggest threat to avoiding dangerous climate change.

“This isn’t just about airport expansion or rising carbon emissions. This is about challenging an economic system based on the absurdity of infinite growth on a planet of finite resources, a system which prioritises bail-outs for the banks and then makes us pay for it in public service cuts. Capitalism is the root cause of the problem, climate change is just a symptom,” said Lisa Jameson from Manchester Plane Stupid.

Following recent decisions to halt developments at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, Plane Stupid claim Manchester is one airport likely to be targeted by the industry in a bid to expand capacity and profits.

Despite fierce opposition from local residents and environmental campaigners Manchester Aiport Group – which is owned by the ten Greater Manchester local authorities with Manchester City Council controlling 55 per cent – was given permission to expand the World Freight Terminal which will see the demolition of historic homes and green space on Hasty Lane as well as significantly contributing to rising carbon emissions.

According to Annie McLaughlin: “The proposed expansion of the freight terminal makes no sense, economically or environmentally. The existing capacity is not fully utilized and an expansion would simply be a stepping stone to expansion of the airport as a whole, which would be an environmental disaster.”

The airport expects to increase capacity to around 250,000 tonnes of cargo per year by 2015 – a rise of 80,000 tonnes. In an attempt to highlight this, the activists have unfurled a banner between the two tripods reading: ‘More air freight = more climate change. Stop all airport expansion now.’

“With the planet on the verge of climate breakdown it is essential that the real cost of aviation expansion is taken seriously – currently emissions from aviation are not included in Manchester City Council’s Climate Change Action Plan,” continued McLaughlin.

Jameson regards such actions as necessary and effective, pointing to experiences at Heathrow: “The third runway…was stopped because ordinary people stood up to the government and the aviation industry using a broad range of tactics. Direct action has historically played an important role in creating social change and will continue to do so.”

Plane Stupid say the aviation industry consistently overstates its importance to the economy. They estimate the lack of tax on aviation fuel costs the UK economy £9 billion per year, while locally there is a £2.2 billion tourism deficit in the North West – the difference between what Britons flying abroad spend in foreign countries and what foreign visitors spend in the North West.

The group also say projected job creations are hugely exaggerated.

“In the 1990s Manchester Airport promised to create 50,000 jobs with the second runway – but the actual number was far lower. We need to begin a just transition to a low carbon economy by creating jobs in sustainable industries such as rail and renewables,” said McLaughlin.

“We support the rights of all workers to fight for good conditions. It is essential that the changes needed to prevent climate change are not used as an excuse to restrict workers rights,” she continued, referring to BA’s repeated attempts through the courts to overturn cabin crews’ right to strike.

Manchester Airport claims disruption has been minimal. Police are currently trying to remove the protestors who say they are prepared to stay “as long as it takes to get their message across”.

 http://manchestermule.com/article/plane-stupid-breach-security-at-manchester-airport