Heathrow climate change protestors set up camp two days early

About 150 protesters started building the Camp for Climate Action, just over half a mile outside the airport's perimeter, and two days earlier than expected.

More than 150,000 activists from across Europe will join them at the Imperial College sports ground, between the villages of Sipson and Harlington, tomorrow.

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They plan to hold a week of demonstrations designed to highlight the link between global warming and aviation.

There will be a 'day of action' next

Sunday and a website supporting the group has promised acts of 'civil disobedience'.

In response, airport operator BAA warned it would not allow passengers to be 'harassed or obstructed'.

Last week, it won a legal challenge banning certain campaigners from Heathrow.

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However, the injunction does not prevent the setting up of the camp.

Up to 1,800 officers will be on duty and police have said they will deal 'robustly' with any troublemakers.

A similar camp set up by 400 protesters near the Drax power station in Yorkshire last year led to 40 arrests.

A spokesman for the protesters said: "Our plan has always been that people who come to the camp will decide themselves what kind of action they want to take.

"We have been very clear we will not be going on to Heathrow's runways.

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"There has been a lot of talk about disruption but our aim is not to affect passengers or ruin holidays - we simply want to challenge the aviation industry."

Organisers said links have also been forged with local residents who are resisting the building of a third runway at Heathrow.

Mark Bullock, managing director of BAA Heathrow, said the airport authority had 'always respected people's democratic right to protest lawfully'.

"We believe there is an important debate to be had regarding climate change," he added.

"However, we do not believe our passengers and staff should be harassed or obstructed by any unlawful direct action.

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"Our passengers and staff also have rights.

"With the current terrorism threat, keeping Heathrow safe and secure is a very serious business.

"Any action taken that distracts us or the police from this task is irresponsible and unlawful."

Around 1.5million passengers are due use Heathrow this week.