Morning:
13°c
The mother of all rallies against bigger Heathrow
Benedict Moore-Bridger20.03.09
NOVELISTS, film-makers and actresses are taking their children to Parliament to demonstrate against Heathrow expansion and coal-fired power stations.
The rally has been organised by climate change campaign group WeCAN, made up mostly of mothers. It is backed by X-Files actress Gillian Anderson, Mick Jagger's former wife Jerry Hall, and model Laura Bailey, all due to join the protests on Monday.
The campaigners hope it will force the Government to take tougher action to curb emissions.
Bailey, 36, said: "Politicians don't seem to be paying attention to the most urgent issue of our age. Maybe if they are confronted by the children whose lives will be hurt by their inaction they'll start taking the issue more seriously."
It comes amid a growing row over the proposed coal-fired power station in Kingsnorth, Kent, due to be given the go-ahead in the autumn.
Anderson said: "It just doesn't feel like the Government gets it. How, when our planet is in peril, can they be building a third runway and planning new coal-fired power stations? We have to take drastic action to wake them up.
"How can we expect India and China to cut emissions... if we're carrying on with business as usual? And how can Brown hope to stand next to Obama when he is not getting the seriousness of the situation?"
The protesters include director and novelist Rebecca Frayn, actress Denise Stephenson, novelist Kate Morris, artist and author Nicola Easton and writer Nadine Grieve.
Environmentalist Zac Goldsmith is due to speak at the rally, joined by pupils from the village of Sipson, whose primary school will be demolished if plans for the third runway go ahead.
Frayn, 46, founding member of WeCAN, said: "Most of us involved are mothers with children who are really concerned at the Government's failure to take action on aviation."
Reader views (6)
I don't want a return to the 1950s when only wealthy novelists, film-makers and actresses could afford to fly - environment or no environment
- Hugh, London
Heathrow is already too large & in the wrong place.
I support any protestors who in no way stop the airport as it (unfortunately) is, from working.
However, if they can prevent Gordon Brown's wretched expansion plans without hindering the present airport, good luck to them.
Martin
- Martin, Bracknell England
I notice the usual sarcasm in comments implying that the protesters also fly-well this reveals that they are either paid stooges of BAA or brain-dead-of course people fly-but that does not mean that they support unlimited airport expansion. Likewise the comment about driving 4x4's-well, I agree 4x4's are unnecessary but any road vehicle uses a fraction of what a large jet aircraft burns in fuel, and emits in CO2-so get real-and admit the facts that aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas. Ask yourself-is your journey really necessary?
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
Ideal Mothers Day Present
Regarding the new coal fired power stations planned, contact the environmental groups in the Netherlands Online.
The continuation of Acid Rain that has blighted their countryside & health in the past. Put in joint protests to the European Union. As this Government will not ruck unless has the OK from its political masters in Brussels.
- William, Haywards Heath UK
I wonder how often these people fly?
- Dave, London England
Suppose theyre all going to be parking their big 4x4 brat taxi gas guzzlers around the corner then...
- Dc, London
