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Protestors block route into Heathrow

Seven people have been arrested after activists blocked a tunnel leading to Heathrow airport.

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Airport activists block route into Heathrow

Activists chained themselves to a car in the tunnel

Activists have chained themselves to a car and blocked one of the main routes into Heathrow airport.

Drivers have been warned of possible delays caused by the protest in a tunnel leading to terminals 2 and 3. Traffic has been building on the M4 since the protest began.

Three cars were used to block the route, while two people have been arrested for obstructing a highway and blocking the tunnel. Police say they are working with airport staff to remove a people chained to a third car.

The protest has been organised by 'Rising Up!' - a group opposed to a third runway at Heathrow:

Rising Up! has taken this action today to show solidarity with those people worst affected by Heathrow expansion.

Thousands of local residents are set to lose their homes and 300,000 people a year lose their lives due to effects of climate change, most of these being black, brown and indigenous peoples in the global south.

It is the responsibility of those people who have the privilege to take action to take a stand with those most affected and prevent climate chaos.

– Rising Up! statement
Heathrow is the government's preferred option for expansion Credit: Steve Parsons/PA

Heathrow supports the right to peaceful protest within the law, but the safety and security of our passengers, aircraft and colleagues together with the smooth running of the operation is paramount.

– Heathrow spokesperson

The government announced in October that it plans to build a new runway at the airport, which would see an extra 260,000 take-off or landings each year.

It followed a long consultation about whether to build a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick.

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Protestors block route into Heathrow

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