Climate change protests are today entering their fourth day andExtinction Rebellionhave warned of a ‘Hong Kong-style’ occupation of London City Airport.
Dozens of police officers have arrived at the transport hub ahead of the planned demonstration in the airport’s terminal building.
Activists are planning on lying, sitting, or gluing themselves in front of departure and arrival gates.
However, nobody is being allowed into the airport unless they have a boarding pass.
With a heavy police presence, they have said that if they don’t make it into the building they will block the airport’s access road and DLR station.
The latest protest is against the climate impact of flying and the Government’s ongoing support of airport expansion.
Extinction Rebellion spokesman Rupert Read said: ‘By non-violently shutting down this airport, in homage to the style of the Hong Kong democracy protesters, we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours , unwisely, have come to depend upon. ‘
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The group said hundreds of people have already signed up to take part in the protest, which will seem them ‘non-violently use their bodies’ to close the airport.
It said those taking part are willing to risk being arrested to achieve their aim.
Hundreds of police officers are being drafted in from across England and Wales to help the Metropolitan Police with the protests, which are now in their third day.
Activists have been camped on rounds around Parliament Square and Whitehall since Monday calling for urgent action on climate change and wildlife.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 800 people had been arrested since Monday, with another 220 detained on Wednesday.
Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said there are plans in place to intervene and ‘deal proactively’ with anyone who has the intention of shutting down the airport.
A London City Airport spokesman said they were working with the Met Police to prepare for the protests and all passengers would be required to show their boarding pass to access the terminal.
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