Climate Rush Picnic at Heathrow

Christians from Christian Ecology Link joined a peaceful picnic at London Heathrow Terminal 1 on 12 Jan. The picnic was organized by the campaign group Climate Rush, which is inspired by the actions of the Suffragettes 100 years ago, who showed that peaceful civil disobedience could inspire positive change.

As the first notes of a string quartet were heard hundreds of protestors revealed their Edwardian dress and hats, picnic mats and white tablecloths appeared. The Christians said grace before sharing their dinner.

Ruth Jarman of CEL said "Everyone now agrees that the suffragettes were right in their call for voting rights for women. A hundred years from now there will be no doubts that the climate campaigners were right in their demand for no airport expansion. But this time it is more than a matter of justice, it is a matter of survival."

The government is expected to announce its support for Heathrow's third runway this week. Should they do so many protestors will return to Heathrow on Saturday where a flash mob is planned for 12 noon at Terminal 5.

Christian Ecology Link supports the two main demands of Climate Rush:

• An immediate stop to all airport expansion
• No new coal fired power stations

More information on Climate Rush can be found at www.climaterush.co.uk

More information on Christian Ecology Link can be found at www.christian-ecology.org.uk

More details: 07970 907784

UPDATE written on 15 Jan:

Response to announcement that the Government has given the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow:
Saturday 17th January, 12 noon, Terminal 5 Departures, Security North Section.

Ruth Jarman invites you to join with her and her children at the peaceful and legal Flash Mob demonstration at Heathrow this coming Saturday. At 12 noon protestors will reveal their 'Stop Airport Expansion' red T-shirts (any red T-shirt will do, perhaps with your own message written on it). Ruth and fellow Christian protestors will pray together for the future well-being of God's creation. If you can be there please contact Ruth on 07970 907784 or email ruth@sjarman11.wanadoo.co.uk If you cannot be there in person please pray for the witness of the protest at 12 noon on Saturday. For more information go to www.t5flashmob.com