Rooftop protest at Gatwick train station
07.08.08
Climate protesters from the direct action group Plane Stupid staged a rooftop demonstration at Gatwick Airport railway station today. A man and a woman climbed on to the station roof at about 08:00 and unfurled a banner with he slogan: ‘Short-haul flight? Let the train take the strain’.
Shortly before midday the protesters were persuaded to come down and were arrested for trespassing. Rail services were not affected by the protest.
A Gatwick Airport spokesman said two other protesters briefly unfurled a banner in the arrivals lounge of the South Terminal, but were asked to leave by airport security. A third couple dressed as ‘information points’, with t-shirts asking, ‘can I hinder?, leafleted the surprised passengers with information about the ecological cost of aviation and the irresponsibility of those who fly short-haul, before also being asked to leave.
The demonstrations were part of a Camp for Climate Action which is taking place in Kent until August 11. In a statement Plane Stupid said that they decided to protest against the popularity of short-haul flights, especially during the Edinburgh Festival, from Gatwick airport.
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