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On 26th July 2008, over 150 individuals from varying backgrounds came together to discuss how to take action against Heathrow’s proposed third-runway and plans to scrap runway alteration. The conference was considered a huge success by participants and organisers alike, and serves to highlight the ever-increasing strength of the anti-Heathrow movement.
An opening plenary included short talks from:
John Stewart (HACAN), Dr Simon Lewis (Uni of Leeds), Susan Kramer MP, Leo Murray (Plane Stupid), John McDonnell MP, Christine Taylor (NoTRAG), Baroness Jenny Tonge, and Anna Jones (Greenpeace)
However, the focus of this conference was on the views and ideas of the participants.
10 ‘breakout’ sessions gave all the participants an opportunity to contribute their own ideas, and discuss the ideas of others. Ideas varied from the hugely popular ‘Pledge-Bank of Direct Action’ through to running for parliament. Participants noted that the ‘breakout’ method provided “different, varied ideas for consideration and concrete plans of action” and was “extremely inspiring”.
Following the breakouts, facilitators from each group highlighted the key ideas that were discussed in each group, and helped compile an action timeline.
A comprehensive list of the output of the breakout groups is available here.
Video footage of the event will be available soon.
Press coverage: Telegraph, Scotsman, This Is London, Hounslow Chronicle,
