Aviation and Roads – Page 29

Plane Stupid mark ten years of Blair – BAA HQ blocked

2.05.2007 Green activists today marked the tenth anniversary of Tony Blair coming to power by visiting his best friends in industry to highlight the revolving door between Labour and the aviation industry and his failure to tackle climate change. (1) A team of protestors from climate action group, Plane Stupid, (2) are blocking the ‘revolving door’ to BAA’s Heathrow HQ to oppose government and industry plans for airport expansion.

The activists have chained up the front doors to the offices and have dumped copies of the science of climate change, reports from the UN and from the Tyndall Centre, into the reception area. The activists have pledged not to allow the staff out until they’ve read the science. Other campaigners have unfurled a banner outside the building stating, “Read the science. www.planestupid.com”

Campaigner for Plane Stupid, Leo Murray, explained:

“In years to come, Blair will be remembered for systematically approving climate-wrecking projects like airport expansion. But it might not have happened if it weren’t for the fact that the revolving door between Labour and BAA just hasn’t stopped spinning.” (3) (4)

He added:

“We can’t believe that if BAA had read the science, they’d still be pushing ahead with their climate-crazy plans for airport expansion. With Blair preparing to leave office, UN climate scientists gathering in Bangkok, and the hottest April on record, it’s time BAA used their enormous influence to tell Blair to ditch expansion plans or leave with a legacy of failing on climate change.”

This Friday’s IPCC report on mitigation of climate emissions, a draft copy of which has been obtained by Plane Stupid, confirms, “Land use planning and transport demand management can make a significant contribution.”

Plane Stupid are one of the groups behind the advertisements in today’s national newspapers headlined, “Vote for climate change.” (5)

Notes for Editors:

(1) The BAA/Labour revolving door:
– In advance of the government’s 2003 aviation white paper which paved the way for their expansion programme, BAA was the main supporter of lobby group, “Freedom to fly.” This group is thought to be the brain child of Steve Hardwick, Director of Public Affairs at BAA who took time out to work on the Labour election campaigns of 1997 and 2001.
– “Freedom to fly” was directed by John Prescott’s former personal political advisor from 1999-2001, Joe Irvin. When, after a year, Joe Irvin resigned, he was replaced by Dan Hodges. Hodges is the son of Glenda Jackson MP, who happens to have been Labour’s first aviation minister.
– Joe Irvin has this week been appointed as one of Gordon Brown’s top advisors (4)
– BAA’s “Freedom to Fly” was chaired by Labour peer, Brenda Dean.
– The government appointed AviaSolutions to assess the responses to its consultation on expansion. AviaSolutions is run by former high-flyers from BAA, Seamus Healey, Paul Eden and his wife, Liz. Also on the company’s board was Lyne Meredith, who previously worked as BAA’s director of planning and environment.
– BAA hosts from its West London offices, “Future Heathrow,” an industry lobby group chaired by Labour peer, Lord Soley. Launched personally by then-transport secretary, Alistair Darling, it was established to ensure that the third runway and sixth terminal is built.

(2) Plane Stupid is Britain’s first national direct action group against the unsustainable aviation growth. www.planestupid.com

(3) For more details and sources on the revolving door between BAA and Labour: http://www.turnuptheheat.org/?page_id=24

(4) http://news.independent.co.uk/people/pandora/article2483864.ece and http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007180865,00.html

(5) For more on the ads, including the press release, see www.spurt-aviation.com

For interviews/info:

press@planestupid.com
www.planestupid.com

– ENDS –

At 5.30pm – four people were arrrested for aggravated trespass after BAA refused to read the science.

SWEDISH AIRPORT RUNWAY SEIZED BY CLIMATE ACTIVISTS

>
> On 14 April, activists broke into Bromma Airport in Stockholm to
> occupy the runway for half an hour. The scheduled flight to Gothenburg
> – a short distance indeed – was delayed, and some planes had to divert
> their landing. The ten activists, linked by chains and carrying a huge
> banner which read “Stop domestic flights”, managed to enter the
> airport and runway without being detected. After some five minutes,
> police arrived to the scene, but refrained from violent intervention.
> When the blockade had been carried to its planned end, the activists
> were arrested and informed of the formal charge of aggravated
> trespass. The most likely punishment is some heavy fines, but prison
> terms are possible.
>
> The action was carried out by Climax, a group in Stockholm formed two
> weeks ago. It is the seed of a direct action-movement against the root
> causes of climate change in a country which has just recently woken up
> to the facts of ongoing global warming. Climax is inspired by Plane
> Stupid and Rising Tide. The action of 14 April, coinciding with the
> enormous National Day of Climate Action in the U.S., was the first of
> its kind to occur in Sweden. More is bound to follow soon. Check for
> updates (and pictures of the recent action) at www.klimatet.org.
>
> Global action against global warming!
>
> Klimax-Stockholm
>
> 2007-04-15

Pollution Control Advice subverts in Nottingham

Pollution Control Advice on the Mansfield Road, [near the Forest Road], Nottingham.
And on the Derby Road:

Pollution Control Advice on the Mansfield Road, [near the Forest Road], Nottingham.
And on the Derby Road:

Was told about this and went to take these piccys.

Climate Camp Meeting this weekend in Bristol, and Film

Last year saw 600 people gather in the shadow of Drax Power Station for the ten day Camp For Climate Action. This weekend in Bristol is the next national planning meeting, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March. The venue is Barton Hill Settlement which is 5 min from Lawrence Hill Station.

Any questions, suggestions or proposals for the meeting can be sent to gatherings [at] climatecamp.org.uk.

Last years camp was captured on video and turned into a documentary by Cine Rebalde called Reclaim Power. Copies are now available on DVD in this country from Rising Tide and local groups working towards this years climate camp.

Those in London can check out the climate camp film as part of two evenings of climate chaos related films at the rampART social centre (see http://rampart.co.nr for details). Also showing is the epic documentary The Planet, plus Global Dimming and The Denial Machine. Additionally there will be speakers and info.

More info on film at http://www.cinerebelde.org/site.php3?id_rubrique=22&lang=en
More info on camp for climate action at http://climatecamp.org.uk

Call for workshops at the Earth First! Summer Gathering 2007

This year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

This year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

The idea is to have multiple workshop sessions, e.g. four two-hour slots spread over four days building up skills in a particular area, so people can learn the basic skills to actually do the job at other mobilisations, events like the climate camp – or wherever. For example plumbing, electrical skills, medics…and whatever else people want to do… It’s not just about the practical skills but also about getting to know each other and starting to work together.

If you would like to offer a workshop please write to:
martinshaw64@riseup.net

Thanks – the EF! summer gathering collecting
General contact details etc at http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk/

please forward to people you think would be interested.

Heathrow residents disrupt minister’s speech

6.03.2007

ANGRY HEATHROW RESIDENTS DISRUPT MINISTER’S SPEECH

~ Airport residents resort to direct action techniques for the first time
~ Marks new phase in resistance to airport expansion

6.03.2007

ANGRY HEATHROW RESIDENTS DISRUPT MINISTER’S SPEECH

~ Airport residents resort to direct action techniques for the first time
~ Marks new phase in resistance to airport expansion

1pm – Londoners facing house demolitions and increased noise from government plans for expansion of Heathrow today took direct action against the plans for the first time. They stormed the stage at an aviation industry conference and disrupted an address being made by the Transport Minister, Douglas Alexander.

The residents from the West London villages of Sipson and Harmondsworth joined environmental activists from climate action group, Plane Stupid, and breached security at Chatham House. Some unfurled a banner reading, “No third runway” whilst another went nose-to-nose with the Minister in front of the conference delegates. Other residents with banners demonstrated outside the conference centre.

Local resident Dr John Hunt from Hounslow who went head-to-head with Alexander on the stage, said, “For decades the government has betrayed us with a catalogue of broken promises. In the 80s we were told Terminal 4 would be the last expansion, then in the 90s we were told Terminal 5 would be the end. Now we’re facing yet more noise and more concrete, and this time they want to wipe our entire community off the map. The time for gentle persuasion is over. Douglas Alexander is warned: the fight back has begun.”

He added, “We’re glad to be joined by our eco-warrior friends from Plane Stupid. They’ve done this kind of thing before and have been helpful with their direct action training over recent weeks. I think it’s safe to say there’s more of this to come.”

Plane Stupid shot into the headlines with their blockade of an airport runway at Nottingham East Midlands short haul airport in September. The group have also occupied BAA and Easyjet offices in recent months, and organised November’s national day of action against short haul flights.

Plane Stupid’s Richard George said, “Whist Ministers like Douglas Alexander preach about action to stop climate change they’re concreting over local democratic opposition to new runways with their plans to cater for unnecessary and climate-wrecking short haul flights. It’s not surprising that having failed though conventional protest, the residents have decided to up the ante.”

For interviews/information:

info@planestupid.com
http://www.planestupid.com

documentary: Reclaim Power – voices from the camp for climate action 2006

In the summer of 2006, 600 people convinced that there is no time to waste set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK. Cine Rebelde produced a documentary film about the camp.

Climate change is now a reality. Leading scientists across the world agree that in a ’business as usual scenario’ we have no longer than 10 years to prevent 2-3 degrees of additional global arming that will lead to irreversible climatic changes with dramatic consequences for our planet.

However, in a world driven by profit and committed to unlimited economic growth, humanity seems very unwilling to change the course of the fossil fuel economy.

In the summer of 2006, the 5th hottest year ever recorded in recent history, 600 people convinced that there is no time to waste set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK.

With over one hundred workshops on a wide range of topics, the 10 day camp was a space of collective learning, sustainable living and taking direct action on the root causes of climate change. The gathering that showed practical low energy solutions in action, culminated in a day of protest and mass direct action in an attempt to shut down Drax.

DVD 62min + extras
English with subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish
reports on indymedia UK: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/climatecamp/

Trailer download: 2:58 min
http://www.cinerebelde.org/site.php3?id_article=356〈=en

a cine rebelde production in cooperation with http://risingtide.org.uk and http://climatecamp.org.uk

indymedia reports of the Camp 2006:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/climatecamp/

Pictures, information and film orders:
orders@cinerebelde.org
http://www.cinerebelde.org

DVDs will also soon be available from rising tide, climate camp groups and at the meeting in Bristol.

* * * * * *
Preparations for the Camp for Climate Action 2007 are in full swing. The upcoming meeting will be in Bristol on March 17th /18th.

Rising Tide North America is currently doing a Road Show. Check out:
http://risingtidenorthamerica.org

Bradford Climate Criminals flyposted

22.1.07
On Wednesday evening, a number of concerned Leeds and Bradford residents decided to draw attention to the activities of a number of climate criminals in Bradford city centre. Advertisements for damaging air flights were modified to tell the truth; that flying is the fastest growing cause of climate change, the “single greatest threat to human-kind” according to the government’s chief scientist.

Despite assurances that climate change is being taken seriously by any number of politicians or business people, the fact is that new runways are planned, motorways are being expanded, and pipelines being built to increase our dependence on fossil fuels. In the face of this hypocrisy, it was clear that the time had come to make a direct statement that irresponsible criminality of this kind will not be tolerated by sane and moderate people.

Several travel agents, shamelessly plugging massively destructive air flights for profit, had their misleading window displays obscured by handy stickers which made plain the true cost of flying. Those people taking part in this vital service did so as a way of encouraging others to stand up against the climate criminals and carry out similar public-spirited actions in their areas. The stickers used are available at a cost of 50p each to anyone who wants them – just email trees@riseup.net with your order. The stickers are just £10 for 20, post free!

There is still time to prevent runaway climate change but we must act now.

Part of that action must be to expose the ongoing activites of those who wish to destroy the planet for profit. Clearly, we can’t leave it to business and government to sort out the mess – they are the ones making it because of their bizarre obsession with an economic system based on continual growth and unsustainable consumption.

The rich are plundering the Earth, and as always the poor will suffer the worst. We can all act in our lives, and join together to create a radical, and ultimately reasonable and moderate, movement for social change and climate justice.

This action was inspired by the Camp For Climate Action, which seems to have been a new beginning for the fight-back by reasonable and moderate people against the climate criminals and profit-terrorists who seek to kill us all.

photos of Manchester carbon footprint stencils

7.02.2007

Last Thursday, to coincide with the IPCC report, a group of Manchester climate activists decorated the pavements outside flight centres, petrol stations, supermarkets and a humvee garage with carbon footprints.

Roughly a dozen stencils appeared Friday morning in various city centre locations. The stunt followed a number of other awareness raising actions in Manchester, such as the blockade of the humvee garage a few weeks earlier.

PLANE STUPID Newsletter #6

“This is a deeply traumatized community which has been lied to for years and years

PLANE STUPID Newsletter #6

“This is a deeply traumatized community which has been lied to for years and years
by the aviation industry and one political party after another. There is a litany of
broken promises. I wonder just how you might feel if you had endured all this for
years! I am so angry I am almost incandescent with rage at the immorality of it
all.” – A resident of Harmondsworth, near Heathrow

~ VICTORY FOR STOP STANSTED CAMPAIGN! ~

After a sustained and long running campaign by the community near Stansted, the
Uttlesford District Council have blocked the proposed plans for expansion of the
existing runway. BAA however is refusing to accept the democratic ruling and is
taking it to a public enquiry. A campaign fund has been launched to fight the
enquiry. www.stopstanstedexpansion.com

~ OCCUPATION AGAINST BRISTOL EXPANSION ~

On the 4th December, activists from South West Climate Action occupied North
Somerset Environment and Planning Offices to protest against plans for expansion of
Bristol airport. Photos and report at www.indymedia.org.uk

~EASYJET SHUT IN DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SHORT HAUL FLIGHTS! ~

On November 6th, activists from around the country came together to take
action against short haul flights. Plane Stupid activists shut down the London HQ of
EasyGroup, the owners of low-cost carrier Easyjet, and London Rising Tide visited
the Civil Aviation Authority, presenting them with a giant cheque for their Â£9.2
billion annual subsidy.

In Cambridge, Manchester, Reading and London, there were protests outside
travel agents, while Leeds Bradford airport was plastered with anti-aviation
stickers. Robin Hood airport received a visit from Robin and his Merry Men,
doubly-angry because the airport has been opposing local wind farm applications.
Activists in Manchester dropped a banner, and in Southend a travel agents was shut
when a protestor locked herself to the front door.

30 travel agents across the UK had their front doors chained shut
by activists who left signs on the windows reading, “Closed for a total
rethink. See www.planestupid.com”

A member of staff at Flight Centre said, “Plane Stupid are causing mayhem here
today, everyone is getting all aerated and vexed.” We’ll give them “aerated and
vexed!” What about the 182 million people to die in Africa this century alone
because of climate change, or the residents of ‘hacked off’ Harmondsworth?

The day of action came as new research from HACAN Clearskies shows that 100,000
flights from Heathrow each year are to short haul destinations that are easily
reachable by the more sustainable train alternative.

Reports and photos at www.indymedia.org.uk

~ COURT REJECTS ASBOS FOR NEMA 25 ~

Loughborough Magistrates Court rejected calls from the Crown Prosecution Service to
slap ASBOs on the 24 Plane Stupid activists who they described as “highly organized
extremists” that were arrested in connection with the shut down of Nottingham East
Midlands short haul airport in September.

In an apparent move aimed to avoid having the case heard by a jury, the charge of
public nuisance was dropped, as was the charge relating to an alleged breach of the
aviation and security act.

Campaigner for Plane Stupid, Ellen Rickford, said, “The same day that we learn the
government is pushing ahead with its airport expansion proposals, they try to use
ASBOs to stamp out peaceful protest. Well, it seems their plans were as doomed as
the aviation industry.”

17 activists got one year conditional discharges (the minimum sentence available)
and each was charged Â£70 in costs. The 5 charged with criminal damage in addition to
aggravated trespass were given varying levels of community service. One person was
referred to Crown Court due to unresolved legal issues and another had his case
adjourned until January 31st. One other activist was unable to attend court due to
illness.

Help us pay our fines! Donate via: www.planestupid.com

~ TOP 100 GREEN CAMPAIGNERS OF ALL TIME ~

Veteran green campaigner and staunch supporter of Plane Stupid, John Stewart, has
been named by the Environment Agency as the 82nd most influential green activist of
all time! Just one position behind Mahatma Gandhi, Plane Stupid is mighty glad he’s
on our side and proud that he’s often been our spokesman!

~ MARKETING GURU PREDICTS END OF SHORT HAUL AIR TRAVEL ~

In a cover-story feature of Marketing Weekly Magazine, triggered by our national day
of action, a PR guru is quoted as saying that he thinks short haul budget air travel
will go the same way that coal did in the 80s because, “they are unnecessary,
outdated and therefore facing decline.” Too right!

~ AVIATION INDUSTRY PUBLISH “TEN REASONS TO KEEP FLYING” ~

Responding to Plane Stupid’s “10 reasons to ground the Plane” – the aviation
industry’s PR people at www.cheapflights.co.uk have come up with, “10 reasons to
keep flying!” This comes after the Stern report singled out aviation as one of the
most significant causes of climate change.

~ ‘ETHICAL MAN’ JOINS PLANE STUPID ON LONDON CLIMATE MARCH ~

Around fifty Plane Stupid-ers marched together with AirportWatch campaigners and
Stansted residents on the Campaign against Climate Change (CaCC) march to Trafalgar
Square on November 4th. There was an 8ft long wooden plane on storks, big banners
and tons of petitioning. Marching with Plane Stupid was Newsnight’s ‘ethical man’
and Seize the Day’s Theo and Shannon. Photos available soon on the website…

In the meantime, see www.indymedia.org.uk

~ POLITICS ROUND-UP ~

Gordon Brown snubbed scientists and campaigners calls for tough new green taxes and
instead opted in his pre-budget report for the pathetic political gesture of
increasing air passenger duty by Â£5. This news came less than a week after a report
from BA boss, Rod Eddington, who was hired by Gordon Brown and paid by us the
taxpayer, to (shock) suggest airport expansion was a good thing. So we now know that
industry bosses support their own plans. Fancy that!

~ DO YOU WANT US TO SPEAK IN YOUR AREA? ~

Plane Stupid speakers have appeared at the Lib Dem Regional Conference along with
Shadow Environment Minister, Chris Huhne; at the LSE alongside Stop Climate Chaos
director, Ashok Sinha; at student union venues including in London and Sussex; and
at local Greenpeace and FoE meetings across the UK. If you want us to come and talk
in your area, get in touch. info@planestupid.com

————————————————————-EVENTS
———————————-

CAMP FOR CLIMATE ACTION MEETINGS

Following the successful climate camp at Drax, plans are afoot for the next camp
which will be at a different location.get involved with putting plans into action.

www.climatecamp.org.uk

PLANE STUPID BENEFIT GIG/FILM SHOWING

On Friday 26th January, Brixton Jamm presents The Alabama3. Tickets available soon
via www.planestupid.com

——————————————————— RESOURCES
——————————

~ PLANE STUPID: A year in review ~

On November 29th, Plane Stupid had its first anniversary. For a reflection on the
incredible momentum we’ve built up over the last year, with video footage and photos
for download, see www.planestupid.com

~ PLANE STUPID Blog ~

Plane Stupid has established a blog at www.myspace.com/planestupid. Its first blog
entry includes, “The armchair environmentalist’s guide to offsets… or ‘How to save
the world for 38p!’)”

~ LEGAL RESOURCE FOR ACTIVISTS~

Experienced campaigners are offering free advice and training to grassroots groups
including legal skills and more. www.seedsforchange.org.uk

~ THE SHEILA McKECHNIE AWARDS ~

The Sheila McKechnie Awards provide campaign development packages to grassroots
campaigners. Up for grabs is a ‘Transport Award’.anyone wanting to apply should see:
www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk