Seven supporters of the climate activist group Just Stop Oil were arrested early this morning at Heathrow Airport as part of a coordinated series of global protests demanding a halt to fossil fuel extraction. The arrests occurred around 9 am on the perimeter road outside Heathrow, amidst similar disruptive actions across Europe aimed at pressuring governments to establish a legally binding treaty to phase out oil, gas, and coal by 2030.
This latest wave of protests follows action in Germany where Last Generation supporters disrupted operations at Cologne Bonn Airport, and in Norway, activists from Folk Mot Fossilmakta halted flights at Oslo Gardermoen Airport by breaching perimeter fences. In Finland, Extinction Rebellion members obstructed Helsinki Vantaa Airport, while in Spain, Futuro Vegetal activists were intercepted on the taxiway at Barcelona airport before they could carry out their protest.
Switzerland also saw significant disruptions as Drop Fossil Subsidies demonstrators blocked main roads surrounding Zurich and Geneva airports, signaling a growing international solidarity among climate activists.
A Just Stop Oil spokesperson emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Continued reliance on fossil fuels as we face tipping points in climate change is irresponsible and akin to an act of war against vulnerable nations. Our leaders must act decisively to secure a sustainable future.”
Among those arrested at Heathrow was Sally Davidson, 36, a hairdresser from Portland, who highlighted the dire global implications of delayed action: “The impending climate crisis threatens massive migrations and food shortages. Our actions today are a call to our government to commit to ending fossil fuel use by 2030.”
Adam Beard, 55, a gardener from Stroud, also arrested, echoed the sentiment: “Immediate action is crucial. We are on a path to a world where large areas will be uninhabitable, prompting unprecedented humanitarian crises.”
The protesters, who are part of a growing international movement, have declared they will continue their efforts to compel government action on climate change. This series of protests underscores the increasing frustration and urgency felt by many regarding the global community’s response to environmental crises.
A Spokesman for the Met Polcie said: Nine Just Stop Oil activists have been arrested this morning for conspiring to disrupt Heathrow Airport. Thanks to the work of officers involved, those arrested have been taken into custody and the Met has prevented significant disruption to the airport and travelling public.
