The Make a NOise Carnival on Saturday saw thousands of people gather to oppose the building of a 3rd runway at Heathrow airport. Forming a human chain to spell out ‘NO’ to Heathrow expansion, they sent a clear message to the government’s plans that was large enough to be seen by planes overhead. The proposed 3rd runway will add an extra 900 flights a day which will make it impossible for us to hit our climate change targets. Also, the population of the entire village of Sipson would be displaced by the expansion leading to the bulldozing of 750 homes.
The carnival from Hatton Cross to Sipson village saw local residents and environmentalists dance and sing with brass bands and stilt-walkers in the mix. Supporters came from all over the country and also from as far away as Greece to join the protest. Protesters held placards such as "No To Third Runway", "Get Real With Climate Change" and "Planet Before Profit". Even after we exposed the government’s Heathrow consultation to have been rigged, climbed on a short-haul flight at Heathrow and flashmobbed Terminal 5; the government seems adamant on pressing on with its plans to build the 3rd runway.
Even the Archbishop of Canterbury showed his support by sending this message “Christians, like all people of faith, believe that human beings are on Earth as stewards of God's creation. As such we have a responsibility, both to God and to generations to come, to ensure that this remains a sustainable world.”
Greenpeace boss John Sauven said: "There is no need whatsoever for a third runway. If everybody took trains to Manchester, Paris, Scotland and Brussels, rather than flying, then a third runway would not need to be built.” Several environment groups helped make this event a success including: HACAN Clear Skies, NoTrag, 2M (representing local authorities and four million people across London), and the Campaign Against Climate Change.
The latest turnout of supporters last Saturday now means that Gordon Brown faces stiff opposition to his plans of expanding Heathrow.
Check out pictures of the Carnival that were sent to us on the day.
