Greenpeace activists bailed

Updated 09.11 Tue Feb 26 2008
Keywords: activists, Heathrow, Greenpeace

Five Greenpeace activists arrested after climbing on top of a Boeing aeroplane at Heathrow have been released on bail.

The protesters waited until passengers had disembarked from a British Airways flight from Manchester to Heathrow before climbing onto its roof early on Monday morning.

A Heathrow spokesman said: "There is an important debate to be had regarding airport expansion and BAA respects people's democratic right to protest lawfully"

They were protesting against the airport's proposed third runway and hung a banner on the tail fin reading "Climate Emergency - No Third Runway".

A Heathrow spokesman said: "There is an important debate to be had regarding airport expansion and BAA respects people's democratic right to protest lawfully.

"However, direct action on the airfield is unlawful and irresponsible.

"The Government is currently consulting on the future of Heathrow Airport and all parties have the opportunity, through the proper democratic process, to make their views known."

A police spokesman said: "Three men and two women arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and being in a restricted area have been bailed to a date in late April, pending further inquiries."

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