London Mayor Ken Livingstone has promised to oppose plans by Heathrow airport operator BAA to seek an injunction banning protests by groups opposed to plans for a third runway.
According to The Independent newspaper the company wants to members of 15 groups including the RSPB, Greenpeace and the National Trust would be unable to protest at the airport or on road or rail routes to it.
The report also says BAA want protesters to have to give 24 hours notice of any demonstrations.
However Mr Livingstone says he views BAA’s action “as serious infringement of civil liberties and an attack on the right to peaceful protest.”
“It could have a significant impact upon London Underground operations. BAA did not consult Transport for London about this proposed injunction. Transport for London will be writing to BAA to demand that all reference to its property and services be removed from any such injunction and will oppose any attempt to restrict the lawful use of its public transport services in the courts.”
A spokesman for BAA said “we respect people’s right to protest within the bounds of the law and airport bylaws, and we would invite protesters to similarly respect the rights of passengers travelling through Heathrow.”
The case will be hear in the High Court next week.
