Monday, August 06, 2007
HEATHROW PROTESTER BAN
Airport operator BAA has won a High Court ruling banning certain climate change protesters at Heathrow airport.
The High Court has granted the injunction, which BAA hopes will stop disruption between 14 and 21 August.
Thousands of people are expected to join the camp and are promising "high impact direct action".
Three groups are included in the injunction which BAA says will ensure a peaceful protest, but critics argue is an infringement of civil liberties.
The High Court will rule on how wide-ranging the injunction should be. Protesters say they will camp out regardless.
The airport is applying for an injunction under the 1997 Protection from Harassment Act.
BAA's solicitor Tim Lawson-Cruttenden has told the High Court the firm wanted to ensure a peaceful protest.
Nicholas Blake QC, opposing the injunction, said harassment legislation was never designed as a way of policing demonstrations.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone has condemned BAA's move as an infringement of civil liberties.
