Demonstrators 'Flash Mob' Terminal Five On Saturday

A demonstration of support for those against the planned expansion of London's Heathrow Airport was staged Saturday at high noon in the airport's Terminal Five.

Hundreds of people dressed in red t-shirts with the words "Stop Airport Expansion" printed on them jammed the busy terminal, displaying banners and chanting, "No third runway."

One man, dressed as Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon stood in stocks while others threw sponges at him. Another man, dressed as Prime Minister Gordon Brown, booted an inflatable globe around the terminal, according to UK's Sky News.

A group of female protesters sporting red body paint and the words "Simply No Slaughter" lettered across their bellies lay down on the floor, surrounded by red balloons... and police.

The protest was organized by local residents and environmental activists, opposed to the recently approved plan to build what many contend is a much-needed third runway. Many of the locals face losing their homes, as the plan includes razing several residential areas adjacent to Heathrow to make room for the new runway.

As ANN reported, the British government gave approval last week for the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport. Although the project won't be completed until 2019, officials state the move to increase capacity is necessary to compete as a major European destination.

Speaking before Parliament last week, British Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said, "Doing nothing at Heathrow would allow extra capacity at other hub airports like Frankfurt and Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Charles de Gaulle (Paris). Doing nothing will damage our economy and have no impact whatsoever on climate change."

Hoon said advancements in aircraft technology will effect an overall reduction in noise levels and pollution, even with the third runway.

FMI: www.heathrowairport.com, www.hacan.org.uk