Archbishop backs Heathrow demo
08.05.08
The Archbishop of Canterbury is backing a mass demonstration against a third runway at Heathrow Airport, putting him on a collision course with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Evening Standard reports.
Thousands of campaigners are expected to protest about expansion plans at the Make A Noise Carnival on May 31. The protest will begin with a march from Hatton Cross Tube station, through the east of the airport along a private BAA road and ending at Sipson, a village which will be largely demolished if the expansion goes ahead.
The Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, who has almost given up taking flights, will risk the wrath of Downing Street by supporting the march. He will write a letter of support to be read out at the march, but will not attend because of other commitments.
His spokesman told the Standard: ‘The is writing a message of support. He acknowledges the strength of support [against a third runway]. He is trying not to fly if he can help it. He has not flown at all this year.’ The Archbishop is currently in Rome where he is visiting the Pope and will travel back to London by train.
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