Plane Stupid activists charged over Heathrow runway protest

Plane stupid activists lie on the runway. Photograph: @planestupid

Two activists from Hackney have been charged after they broke into Heathrow airport and chained themselves together on a runway, causing flights to be cancelled.

Graham Edward James Thompson, 42, of Upper Clapton, and Sheila Menon of Stoke Newington were amongst the 13 demonstrators from direct action group Plane Stupid who took part in the protest over runway expansion.

All 13 activists have been charged with aggravated trespass and entering a security restricted area of an aerodrome.

The protesters – one dressed as a polar bear – cut through a wire fence at 3.30am on 13 July, chained themselves together and lay on the runway wearing armlocks.

Police officers had to saw through the armlocks to free the protesters.

Plane Stupid campaigners say building a third runway will make it impossible for the UK to reach its climate change targets.

A campaign spokesperson said:  “Building more runways goes against everything we’re being told by scientists and experts on climate change.

“This would massively increase carbon emissions exactly when we need to massively reduce them.”

The demonstration caused delays and cancellations to flights at Heathrow airport .

The group will all appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday August 19.