Actor Rula Lenska and journalist Rosie Boycott join other celeb mums in a vigil against Heathrow expansion in Parliament Square
As the date for the government's decision on Heathrow's third runway hurtles towards us (they'll be deciding in June or July, we think), a whole gamut of voices has been speaking out against the agenda for airport expansion that will destroy our chances of slowing climate change.
At the risk of sounding like a bad joke, an actress and a bishop (OK then, an archbishop) have both joined the fray, along with several celebrity mums and the head of the Sustainable Development Commission. Eclectic, eh? They're all calling on the government to shelve its plans for airport expansion.
A couple of weeks ago, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams came out in support of the Carnival and against the third runway at Heathrow. On Tuesday, celebrity mums including Gillian Anderson, Rula Lenska, Rosie Boycott and Anna Chancellor held a vigil against Heathrow expansion in Parliament Square.
And on Wednesday, the Sustainable Development Commission said the government should completely rethink its aviation policy and shelve plans to expand Heathrow and Stansted (their full investigation is well worth a read if you're interested in the economic and environmental data on aviation).
Meanwhile, back at Greenpeace HQ, we've been busy working with other organisations in the run up to the Make A NOise Carnival - London’s last chance to say a massive NO to Heathrow expansion before the government makes its decision.
There's just over a week to go until the Carnival, so here’s everything you need to know about the day:
Where?
Meet at Hatton Cross tube station
(Piccadilly Line)
What time?
12 noon on Saturday 31st
May 2008.
What’s the plan?
The Carnival will make its way
from Hatton Cross around the edge of Heathrow airport to Sipson – the village
that will be destroyed if the third runway goes ahead. This is a journey of
about two and a half miles.
We'll then spell out a giant human “NO” to expansion at Heathrow, in Sipson War Memorial Ground. And after you’ve helped us create the biggest and loudest NO the world has ever seen, you can hear from speakers and enjoy the street party in Sipson with stalls, food, drink, and plenty for the children.
When will it end?
The NO should be over by around
3.30pm. The activities in Sipson will continue into the early evening, ending
at 7pm.
What should I bring?
Water, packed lunch, suncream if
it’s sunny, an umbrella if it’s rainy, banners, musical instruments, your
friends, your family and your MP!
Will it be legal?
Yes. This is an entirely peaceful
and legal event that has been organised in liaison with the Metropolitan
Police.
How do we get there?
We’re encouraging everyone to come
by public transport where possible. Hatton Cross is on the Piccadilly tube line
and can also be reached on various local buses. Check Transport for London’s
Journey Planner for the best way to get there.
And how do we get home?
A limited shuttle coach will run
between Sipson and Hounslow West tube station every 10 minutes. Various public
bus services also run along the Bath
Road, just south of Sipson village, which will
take you to the nearest tube stations.
Is the day accessible?
Yes.
Hope to see you there. There's still time to invite your friends through the Facebook event and invite your MP through www.make-a-noise.org.
