Press Release
For immediate release: 22nd February 2011 Contact: Ali Garrigan 0750 612 6650
Campaigners remain defiant after Manchester airport protest sentencing
Campaigners from the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ group were sentenced today after a 2 day trial at Trafford Magistrates’ court. The judge recognised the “sincerity” and “laudable motives” of the protesters, and handed down lenient sentences of 2 year conditional discharges and £310 fines each. One defendant received 80 hours of community service. The 6 campaigners stood trial for an action last May 2010 where they formed a human circle around the wheel of a Monarch Airline jet. All 6 pleaded not guilty to the charge of aggravated trespass, stating that they acted out of necessity to prevent the higher crime of climate change.
In November 2009 Manchester airport received planning approval to expand the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport, which will result in the demolition of local homes and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Although the coalition government cancelled plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, campaigners are now focussing their action more regionally as capacity is now being increased at regional airports instead.
Martin Eakins, local councillor, described the local efforts to prevent expansion at the Airport. In response to the judge’s suggestion that campaigners would have had a strong case for judicial review of the plans, he explained that they had been refused funding on the basis that their challenge would be unsuccessful. Local resident, Pete Johnson, whose home on Hasty Lane faces demolition, told the court that their “efforts were thwarted by politicians with vested interests,” and that he felt “angry, frustrated and cheated.”
Over the 2 days the court has heard from many leading public figures who spoke out in defence of the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ group. On day one, leading scientist, Kevin Anderson, from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Research in Manchester, spoke out on the aviation industry’s ‘special treatment’. The aviation industry receives £9 billion a year in tax subsidies. Dr Geoff Meaden spoke on the impacts of climate change in the North West. Today public health expert Dr Robin Scott spoke on the health impacts of climate change.
Expert witness statements were also read out including one written by John Mcdonnell MP who was a vocal politician in defeating the third runway at Heathrow airport.
People from across North England have now pledged to continue taking direct action to stop the expansion plans. The threatened homes in Manchester have ‘twinned’ with the village of Sipson which would have been demolished to make way for the Heathrow expansion.
Speaking after the ruling one of the 6 defendants Iain Hilton, said:
“Whatever the outcome was today, this climate court trial will not be the last. Climate change is accelerating at the same rate as it was before and continues to be the biggest threat to life as we know it. We have heard in court peer-reviewed Science, public health advocates, witness statements from MPs and we have heard from communities whose homes are threatened by airport expansion plans at Hasty Lane. We will not wait for the judicial system to act. Civil disobedience is a duty and a responsibility and we will continue to act to stop climate change”.
John Mcdonnell MP said:
“When governments themselves so blatantly ignore the wishes of the people they are elected to represent, when they promote the sectional interests of one sector of business above the interests of their citizens, when they deny Parliament an effective role, when they subvert their own democratic planning processes, and when their actions so dangerously contradict their own legislation on climate change, responsible citizens are left with no alternative but to take direct action to further the cause that they believe in.”
Scientist Kevin Anderson said in court:
“Why is it fair that aviation continues to be a special case while every other sector has to reduce their emissions? Every year we have an exponential increase in CO2 embedding us in a future of dangerous climate change. If aviation continues to grow that means we’re heading for 4 degrees, but that would only be a transient temperature on the way to an equilibrium rise of 6 to 8 degrees. A rise of 4 degrees is dire, above that it gets worse and worse- it is a future that we contemplate at our own peril.”
Notes to Editors
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(1) Full witness statements from Kevin Anderson and John Mcdonnell can be found here:
Kevin Anderson: http://bit.ly/f0RRpo
John Mcdonnell MP: http://bit.ly/eAVURs
(2) Relating to a judicial review brought by campaigners against the proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport Lord Justice Carnwath stated, “”The [objectors'] submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 white paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new airports NPS [national policy statement].”
(3)The aviation industry pays no VAT on its aircraft or duty on its fuel – creating a tax subsidy of £10 billion per year. On Saturday 12th February protesters from ‘Take VAT’ held protest actions at Heathrow and Leeds Bradford Airports.
http://planestupid.com/blogs/2011/02/12/take-vat-targets-aviation-industry
(4) For information on the campaign and to read all the statements of support http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/
(5) For more information and interviews contact:
Ali Garrigan 0750 612 6650
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Press Release
For Immediate Release: 21st February Contact: Ali Garrigan 0750 612 6650
Leading scientist Kevin Anderson speaks out on Aviations industries ‘special treatment’
The trial of six climate protesters who breached airside security at Manchester Airport began today at Trafford Magistrates Court. The six defendants will plead not guilty to the charge of aggravated trespass after they formed a human circle around the wheel of a Monarch Airline jet last May 2010. The defendants will argue that they acted to prevent death and serious injury by stopping emissions from the airport. Leading scientist Kevin Anderson, from the Tyndall Centre for climate research in Manchester spoke for the defence today.
Kevin Anderson summed up what campaigners have been saying for years when he said:
“Why is it fair that aviation continues to be a special case while every other sector has to reduce their emissions?”
He continued:
“Every year we have an exponential increase in CO2 embedding us in a future of dangerous climate change. If aviation continues to grow that means we’re heading for 4 degrees, but that would only be a transient temperature on the way to an equilibrium rise of 6 to 8 degrees. A rise of 4 degrees is dire, above that it gets worse and worse- it is a future that we contemplate at our own peril.”
Tomorrow local councillor Martin Eakins will speak on the democratic deficit in the region and Dr Geoff Meaden will speak on the impacts of climate change in the North West.
The defendants have also received a number of statements of support from national politicians, journalists, lawyers, organisations and individuals including Zac Goldsmith MP, , Caroline Lucas MP, and John Sauven, director of Greenpeace.
Notes to Editors
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[1] Expert witness statements have been provided by Kevin Anderson (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research – University of Manchester) on aviation and climate change, Dr Robin Stott on the health impacts of climate change, Dr Geoff Meaden on the impacts of climate change in the North West, John McDonnell MP on the failings of the parliamentary process to address the issue aviation and climate change, Councillor Martin Eakins on Manchester City Council’s approach to rising emissions from Manchester Airport, representatives of the Aviation Environment Federation, John Stewart from Airportwatch and local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson.
[2] The aviation industry pays no VAT on its aircraft or duty on its fuel – creating a tax subsidy of £10 billion per year. On Saturday 12th February protesters from ‘Take VAT’ held protest actions at Heathrow and Leeds Bradford Airports.
http://planestupid.com/blogs/2011/02/12/take-vat-targets-aviation-industry
[3] For information on the campaign and to read all the statements of support http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/
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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: 21st Feb 2011 Contact: Ali Garrigan 0750 612 6650
Manchester airport protesters claim lawful excuse as climate trial begins
The trial of six climate protesters who breached airside security at Manchester Airport began today at Trafford Magistrates Court. The defendants will argue that they acted to prevent death and serious injury by stopping emissions from the airport, a plea which echoes the defence of Greenpeace campaigners acquitted of closing down Kingsnorth Power Station. During the trial, which is expected to last three to four days, the defence will call expert witnesses including Professor Kevin Anderson from the Tyndall Centre who is speaking today in court, and experts on health and the effects of climate change. [1]
The trial begins ten years after Manchester Airport opened their second runway in February 2001, following some of the largest environmental protests of the 1990′s. The six defendants will plead not guilty to the charge of aggravated trespass after they formed a human circle around the wheel of a Monarch Airline jet last May 2010.
In November 2009 the airport received planning approval to expand the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport, which will result in the demolition of local homes. Although the coalition government cancelled plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, campaigners are now focussing there action more regionally as capacity is now being increased at regional airports instead.
People from across North England have pledged to take direct action to stop the expansion plans. The threatened homes in Manchester have ‘twinned’ with the village of Sipson which would have been demolished to make way for the Heathrow expansion. Witnesses for the defence at the trial will include a local Lib Dem Councillor and John McDonnell, the Labour MP for the Heathrow area.
Supporters of the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ group gathered outside court this morning with a large paper aeroplane. The mock paper plane was made from a March 2010 High Court Ruling, stating that the airport expansion plans are incompatible with the Climate Act 2008. [2]
Kerry Williams, speaking outside court from the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial‘ group said:
“The trial started with a huge show of support showing that people aren’t willing to be bullied by airports and government greed in the face of runaway climate change. It’s not OK for the aviation industry to be a special case whilst avoiding paying taxes, creating more emissions and more noise. In an age of austerity we need to continue taking direct action to protect people, the climate and not the aviation industry. ” [3]
Jo Rake, Heathrow resident and climate campaigner made the journey up to Manchester and said:
“By 2050 Manchester Airport plans to be as busy as Heathrow is tod
ay, becoming ‘the Heathrow of the North’ with flights every 70 seconds. We showed the success of people power to scrap the 3rd runway at Heathrow and so we can’t let the flights be transferred to Manchester Airport instead. We cannot allow a climate catastrophe and the demolition of family homes at Hasty Lane. If we can win at Heathrow, we can win in Manchester too.”
The defendants have received
a number of statements of support from national politicians, journalists, lawyers, organisations and individuals including Zac Goldsmith MP, Caroline Lucas MP and John Sauven, director of Greenpeace. [4]
Notes to Editors
—————–
——–
[1] Expert witness statements have been provided by Kevin Anderson (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research – University of Manchester) on aviation and climate change, Dr Robin Stott on the health impacts of climate change, Dr Geoff Meaden on the impacts of climate change in the North West, John McDonnell MP on the failings of the parliamentary process to address the issue aviation and climate change, Councillor Martin Eakins on Manchester City Council’s approach to rising emissions from Manchester Airport, representatives of the Aviation Environment Federation, John Stewart from Airportwatch and local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson.
[2] Relating to a judicial review brought by campaigners against the proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport Lord Justice Carnwath stated, “”The [objectors'] submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 white paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new airports NPS [national policy statement].”
[3] The aviation industry pays no VAT on its aircraft or duty on its fuel – creating a tax subsidy of £10 billion per year. On Saturday 12th February protesters from ‘Take VAT’ held protest actions at Heathrow and Leeds Bradford Airports.
http://planestupid.com/blogs/2011/02/12/take-vat-targets-aviation-industry
[4] For information on the campaign and to read all the statements of support http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/
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For immediate release 19th Feb 2011 Contact: Ali Garrigan 0750 6126650
Photo and Media opportunity – Monday 21st February at 9am. Outside Trafford Magistrates Court, Sale, (M33 7NR)
PRESS RELEASE: Climate trial to begin ten years after Manchester Airport second runway opens as campaigners prepare for new fight
Six climate protesters who breached airside security at Manchester Airport are to go on trial at Trafford Magistrates Court next Monday 21st February. The six defendants will plead not guilty to the charge of aggravated trespass, after they formed a human circle around the wheel of a Monarch Airline jet last May 2010.[1] The trial begins ten years after Manchester Airport opened their second runway in February 2001, following some of the largest environmental protests of the 1990s.
The defendants will argue that they acted to try and prevent death and serious injury by attempting to stop emissions from the Airport. During the trial, which is expected to last three to four days – the defence will call expert witnesses including Professor Kevin Anderson from the Tyndall Centre and experts on public health and the effects of climate change.[2]
In November 2009 the Manchester Airport received planning approval to expand its World Freight Centre, which will result in the demolition of local homes. Although the coalition government cancelled plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, campaigners fear that capacity will be increased at regional airports instead.
People from across Manchester have pledged to take direct action to stop the expansion plans, and the threatened homes in Manchester have been ‘twinned’ with the village of Sipson which which would have been demolished to make way for the Heathrow expansion. Witnesses for the defence at the trial will include a local Lib Dem Councillor and John McDonnell, the Labour MP for the Heathrow area.
Supporters from the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ group will gather outside court on the first morning (9am on Monday 21st February) with a large paper aeroplane. The mock paper plane will be made from a March 2010 High Court Ruling, stating that the airport expansion plans are incompatible with the Climate Act 2008.[3]
Kerry Williams from the ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ group said, “Manchester Airport said 50,000 jobs would be created with the second runway, which failed to materialise. Ten years after its opening, the aviation industry continues to overstate its economic importance whilst receiving tax subsidies and creating more emissions and more noise. It’s time to put a stop to the industry’s special treatment.” [4]
The defendants have received a number of statements of support from national politicians, journalists, lawyers, organisations and individuals including Zac Goldsmith MP, Caroline Lucas MP and John Sauven, director of Greenpeace. [5]
Notes to Editors
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[1] For PICTURES and reports of the action see: http://stopmanchesterairport.blogspot.com/2010/06/manchester-plane-stupid-breach-airside.html
[2] Expert witness statements have been provided by Kevin Anderson (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research – University of Manchester) on aviation and climate change, Dr Robin Stott on the health impacts of climate change, Dr Geoff Meaden on the impacts of climate change in the North West, John McDonnell MP on the failings of the parliamentary process to address the issue aviation and climate change, Councillor Martin Eakins on Manchester City Council’s approach to rising emissions from Manchester Airport, representatives of the Aviation Environment Federation, John Stewart from Airportwatch and local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson.
[3] Relating to a judicial review brought by campaigners against the proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport Lord Justice Carnwath stated, “”The [objectors'] submissions add up, in my view, to a powerful demonstration of the potential significance of developments in climate change policy since the 2003 white paper. They are clearly matters which will need to be taken into account under the new airports NPS [national policy statement].”
[4] The aviation industry pays no VAT on its aircraft or duty on its fuel – creating a tax subsidy of £10 billion per year. On Saturday 12th February protesters from ‘Take VAT’ held protest actions at Heathrow and Leeds Bradford Airports.
http://planestupid.com/blogs/2011/02/12/take-vat-targets-aviation-industry
[5] For information on the campaign and to read all the statements of support http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/
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Press Release: Supporters to gather outside court as Manchester Airport protest trial begins
Photo and media opportunity: 9am – Monday 6th December 2010. Outside Trafford Magistrates Court (Sale – M33 7NR)
For immediate release – 5th December 2010 -
Contact: manchesterairportontrial@gmail.com
Supporters will gather outside Trafford Magistartes coirt as the first trial of the climate activists who blockaded Manchester Airport begins on Monday 6th December. Eleven defendants will answer charges of obstruction of the highway for their part in a protest action last May 2010.[1]
Residents affected by the expansion of Manchester Airport have also got behind protesters who blockaded the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport last May. Holly Johnson who lives at Hasty Lane – which is earmarked for demolition if expansion plans go ahead – said,
“Our homes are under threat from Manchester Airport. Our local councillors voted against the plans, but this decision was overturned. Its good that people are taking a stance and supporting us.”
Two defendants, who will be pleading not guilty, Amanda Walters and Mark Haworth, visited Hasty Lane last Thursday 2nd December to exchange messages of support. [2] The defendants will argue that due to the local democratic deficit [3] and the threat to local homes, biodiversity spots and the climate from the expansion of Manchester Airport, their actions constituted a reasonable use of the highway.
The trial is expected to last three to four days. Local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson and local Lib Dem Councillor Martin Eakins are expected to give expert witness evidence during the trial.
A public campaign titled ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ is being run around the court trial and has received support from local members of the public, local groups,academics, barristers, writer and journalist for the Independent Johann Hari, and prominent national politicians such as Heathrow Labour MP John McDonnell, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and Conservative Party MP Zac Goldsmith [4].
Ali Garrigan, from Manchester Plane Stupid, said “The aviation industry seems to get special treatment across the board. Just as Manchester Airport is excluded from the Manchester Council’s carbon reduction plans, airlines pay no tax on their jet fuel, at a time when we all face VAT rises to 20% in January. Are we all in this together? The aviation industry doesn’t seem to be.”
A second group of six protesters who blockaded a Monarch Airline jet at the same time as the protest in May will stand trial separately in February 2011 - charged with aggravated trespass.
ENDS
Contact: Ali Garrigan, manchesterairportontrial@gmail.com
Notes to editors
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[1] The direct action involved a tripod blockade of the road entrance to the World Freight Centre. http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/trials/
[2] Pictured in attached photos. Mark Haworth and Amanda Walters (defendants). Hasty Lane residents Peter Johnson, Holly Johnson and Jon Smart.
[3] In September 2008, local Councillors on the Wythenshawe Area Committee voted unanimously against plans to expand the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport, which will involve demolish local homes at Hasty Lane. This decision was overturned by the Planning Committee of Manchester City Council in five to four vote in November 2009.
[4] To read the latest statements of support please http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/support-2/support/
[5] For more information about the public campaign see http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/
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For immediate release – 3rd December 2010 – Contact: manchesterairportontrial@gmail.com
Press Release: Battle against airport expansion shifts to Manchester. Court trial of Plane Stupid activists begins on Monday.
With expansion plans at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted successfully blocked, the battle against airport expansion in the UK has shifted focus towards regional airports such as Manchester. The trial of eleven activists who blockaded the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport in May 2010 1 will begin this Monday 6th December in Trafford Magistrates Court, Manchester.
Two defendants will be pleading not guilty to charges of obstructions of the Highway. They will argue that they acted with lawful excuse – in that due to the devasting environmental impacts of expanding Manchester Airport, it was a reasonable use of the highway to protest against the demolition of local homes and rising emissions. Their actions were further justified by the fact that official decision making channels at the local City Council had been exhausted and proven to be ineffective.2
The trial will begin as the Crown Court case against another 20 climate activists enters its third week at Nottingham Crown Court.3 The twenty defendants in that case are pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated trespass – arguing that their actions were justified in an attempt to stop emissions to prevent runaway climate change. The defendants planned to peacefully shut down Ratcliffe on Soar coal fired power station.
A campaign titled ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ is being run around the court trial and has received support from members of the public, local groups,academics, barristers, writer and journalist for the Independent Johann Hari, and prominent politicians such as Heathrow Labour MP John McDonnell, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and Conservative Party MP Zac Goldsmith 4.
Ali Garrigan, from Manchester Plane Stupid, said “The aviation industry seems to get special treatment across the board. Just as Manchester Airport is excluded from the local Council’s carbon reduction plans, airlines pay no tax on their jet fuel, at a time when we all face VAT rises to 20% in January. Are we all in this together? The aviation industry doesn’t seem to be.”
Residents affected bythe expansion of Manchester Airport have got behind the defendants. Holly Johnson who lives at Hasty Lane – which is earmarked for demolition if expansion plans go ahead – said,
“Our homes are under threat from Manchester Airport. Our local councillors voted against the plans, but this decision was overturned. Its good that people are taking a stance and supporting us.” The two defendants, Amanda Walters and Mark Haworth visited Hasty Lane last Thursday 2nd December to exchange messages of support. 5
The trial is expected to last three to four days. Local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson and local Lib Dem Councillor Martin Eakins will both give expert witness evidence during the trial.
ENDS
Contact: Ali Garrigan, manchesterairportontrial@gmail.com
Notes to editors¶
1 On 24th May eleven activists used two tripods to blockade the road entrance to the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport. At the same time six activists went airside and used arm tube devices to blockade a Monarch Airline jet. Those six activists have a separate court case in February 2011 answering charges of aggravated trespass. www.manchesterairportontrial.org/trials
2 In September 2008, local Councillors unanimously voted against plans to demolish local homes to expand the World Freight Centre. This decision was overturned by the Manchester Council Planning Committee in November 2009.
3 Information on the ’Ratcliffe on Trial ’case can be found at ratcliffeontrial.org. In April 2009, 114 activists were arrested in the one of the largest pre-emptive arrests by UK Police. They planned to peacefully shut down Ratcliffe on Soar coal fired powerstation. On Monday 29th November.NASA scientist James Hansen provided expert witness evidence relating to the dangers of burning coal fired powerstations.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov…
4 To read the latest statements of support visit www.manchesterairportontrial.org/suppor…
5 Pictured in attached Photo 3. Mark Haworth and Amanda Walters (defendants). Hasty Lane residents Peter Johnson, Holly Johnson and Jon Smart.
6 For more information see: www.manchesterairportontrial.org
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Press Release: Residents get behind defendants as Manchester Airport protest trial begins next week
For immediate release – 2nd December 2010
Contact: manchesterairportontrial[at]gmail.com
Residents affected by the expansion of Manchester Airport have got behind protesters who blockaded the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport last May.
Holly Johnson who lives at Hasty Lane – which is earmarked for demolition if expansion plans go ahead – said,
“Our homes are under threat from Manchester Airport. Our local councillors voted against the plans, but this decision was overturned. Its good that people are taking a stance and supporting us.”
Two defendants, Amanda Walters and Mark Haworth visited Hasty Lane this morning Thursday 2nd December to exchange messages of support. [1]
Eleven activists will appear before Trafford Magistrates Court this Monday 6th December charged with obstruction of the highway after they blockaded the road entrance to the World Freight Centre.[2] Amanda Walters and Mark Haworth will be pleading not guilty.
The trial is expected to last 2 or 3 days. Local Hasty Lane resident Peter Johnson and local Lib Dem Councillor Martin Eakins will both give expert witness during the trial.
A campaign titled ‘Manchester Airport on Trial’ is being run around the court trial and has received support from members of the public, local groups,academics, barristers, writer and journalist for the Independent Johann Hari, and prominent politicians such as Heathrow Labour MP John McDonnell, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and Conservative Party MP Zac Goldsmith [3].
Zoe Creighton-Hird, a supporter of the Manchester Airport on Trial campaign, said “The campaign has received support from all sorts of individuals and organisations both locally and nationally. It vividly shows that people from across society are concerned about the expansion of the aviation industry which is already responsible for around 13% of all UK emissions when we should be making substantial reductions.”
A second group of six protesters who blockaded a Monarch Airline jet at the same time as the protest in May will stand trial separately in February 2011 – charged with aggravated trespass.
ENDS
Notes to editors
———————
[1] Pictured in attached photos. Mark Haworth and Amanda Walters (defendants). Hasty Lane residents Peter Johnson, Holly Johnson and Jon Smart.
[2] http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/trials/
[3] To read the latest statements of support please http://www.manchesterairportontrial.org/