Heathrow 13 sentencing: Allowing dangerous climate change is the real threat – says Friends of the Earth

It is clear that climate change, not peaceful protest, is the real threat, Friends of the Earth said today (24 February 2016), as they receive the news that 13 activists have been given a suspended sentence following a protest at Heathrow airport.

Last July, the activists occupied a runway at Heathrow over plans for a controversial third runway and its impact on health and climate change. Aviation already makes up nearly 7% of the UKs overall CO2 emissions and this is growing rapidly.

Reacting to news of the sentencing, Liz Hutchins, Friends of the Earth campaigner said:

“It’s right that these activists have not been imprisoned for protesting to protect the planet but a suspended sentence is still deeply unjust. Peaceful protest is an important part of any democratic society.

“Climate change is one of the most urgent threats to people in the UK and around the world. Extreme weather has already destroyed homes and livelihoods here in the UK and this is set to get worse unless we take urgent action to prevent further global warming.

“History will judge the greater threat to our society; climate change or those who protest peacefully in a bid to protect people from its devastating effects.”