I took this picture with one hand on the camera, the other holding a large sheet just like those in the picture, taking part with around 2600 others in the large human ‘NO’ that was being recorded live on BBC News TV when I made this picture. I checked to make sure that my own ‘NO’ was the correct way up, but not everyone was so careful, not that you could have seen in the view from the cherry-picker or helicopter.
It was an event at which most of the protesters were local people, many who will lose homes if the runway goes ahead. Of course they will get compensation, but the terms are often far from fair financially. Some have long links with the area, many with parents or spouses and other relatives buried in the Cherry Lane Cemetery, opened in 1936, which may be covered by a spur road to the airport if plans go ahead.
Activists on the march from Hatton Cross to Sipson
The march and rally attracted support from MPs of all parties with constituencies under the flightpath. Surprisingly one of the closest boroughs to Heathrow, Spelthorne (until 1995 boundary changes it included the site of Terminal 5) where I live supports the development – along with its MP. This will probably change once the plans for the fourth Runway through its centre are leaked!
MPs Justine Greening (Con, Putney), John McDonnell (Lab, Hayes & Harlington), and Susan Kramer (LibDem, Richmond Park) at the front of the march in Sipson
I’ve written about the proposed development and Saturday’s demonstration on My London Diary as usual.
