Archived press release

Heathrow ruling - Friends of the Earth comment

6 August 2007

Gita Parihar, Friends of the Earth's Lawyer said:

"The judge's decision is a victory for common sense. It sends a clear message to BAA that they cannot use their corporate muscle to stop people from engaging in lawful, peaceful protests on issues such as climate change."

The outcome:

The judge agreed that it was unjustified for BAA to seek an injunction against organisations campaigning on aviation and local groups opposing Heathrow expansion.

The proposed injunction against HACAN, NOTRAG, AirportWatch and Geraldine Nicholson was dismissed and costs were awarded. The judge dismissed the wide-ranging injunction requested by BAA and issued a much more limited injunction covering trespass and nuisance in a defined area against Plane Stupid, its supporters and people acting with them.

John Stewart has made a commitment on a personal level to abide by the terms of the injunction and not to incite anyone else to breach its terms.

Notes

Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre acted for John Stewart, Chair of HACAN and Chair of AirportWatch, and Geraldine Nicholson, Chair of NOTRAG (No Third Runway Action Group).

The Centre aims to help members of the public raise awareness and understanding of the use of the law to protect the environment. Its legal advice line can be contacted on FREEPHONE 0808 801 0405 between 6.30 - 8.30pm every Wednesday evening or by email legal@foe.co.uk at any time. Individuals who contact the advice line will be given preliminary advice by Friends of the Earth legal staff and volunteer lawyers. Cases will then be either taken up by the Rights and Justice Centre or passed onto an organisation that can help.

Friends of the Earth fully supports the right of people to protest peacefully.

Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre will also be providing legal observers at the camp, though we are not involved with organising the camp.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to:

• Include emissions from international shipping and aviation in the Governments draft Climate Change Bill
• Stop the expansion of all UK airports including a halt to a third runway at Heathrow
• Ensure the aviation industry pays for the environmental damage it causes

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust