UK airport company wants protest injunction; injunctees have a party on the London Underground

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UK airport company wants protest injunction; injunctees have a party on the London Underground

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Along with a group of party-goers, I took to the Piccadilly line on the London Underground this evening - with balloons, party hats and cake - for one last chance fling before the proposed injunction sought by the British Airports Authority makes it illegal for millions of people to travel on the line.

Despite the jolly mood, we were all insensed that the injunction - being heard in court at 2pm on Wednesday 1 August - would be a massive infingement of civil liberities and if it goes through will restrict the movements around the UK of at least five million people. The Camp for Climate Action, a week of workshops and discussions about the threat of climate change, is being held later this month in the vicinity of Heathrow.

To prevent the camp taking place, BAA are seeking the injunction which will affect members and supporters of several organisations including Airportwatch, itself an umbrella organisation for those concerned about airport expansion, including the National Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and many others - totalling at least five million. If the court agrees with BAA, these people will not be able to enter Heathrow or travel on an infrastructure connecting it, including parts of the M4 and M25, Paddington Station, and the Piccadilly line. If your a member of these organisations, you won't be able to travel to and from work, or if you have holiday plans that involve flying out of Heathrow... well, tough luck. 

So a party was held on the Piccadilly line to celebrate what could be the last day of free, unrestricted travel. Around 50 people travelled from Piccadilly Circus in central London out to Heathrow and back again, offering balloons, sweets and information to commuters. The police were there all the way and although there was a heavily-armed presence at Heathrow, there was no reported trouble and we all made it back to town safely.

Now we're waiting to see what the results of the court hearing are, and whether corporate interests will be able to stifle legitimate and peaceful process. Bets are open.