Heathrow protesters warned about 'unacceptable' disruption

Downing Street today warned campaigners at the controversial “climate change camp” near Heathrow that any disruption to the running of the airport would be “unacceptable”.

An estimated 250 people were already in place at the camp for the week-long event due to start tomorrow.

Dozens of police officers carried out an inspection of the site this morning, as it was claimed campaigners have not ruled out illegal protests on Sunday.

It was also alleged that negotiations had broken down between campaigners and police, with officers accused of “flexing their muscles”.

More than 1,500 people from across the UK and other parts of Europe are expected to join the event against plans to expand the airport, say the organisers.

They believe publicity over a legal move by Heathrow operator BAA aimed at banning some protesters from the camp will boost numbers.

BAA launched the move amid fears some protesters would attempt to disrupt flights at Heathrow.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “People do have a right to protest in this country but the Government believes action that would disrupt the running of Heathrow would be unacceptable.”

Simon Baugh, BAA’s head of government relations at Heathrow, said security teams were “prepared for any circumstances in which the protesters take direct action”.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We are not about stopping lawful, peaceful protests but we are doing everything in our power to make sure that the 1.5 million passengers due to pass through Heathrow this week are able to do so comfortably.