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Black Lives Matter shutdown London City Airport
Protesters chained themselves together on London City Airport's runway.
The Black Lives Matter UK movement were behind the protest, that saw nine demonstrators erecting a tripod and locking themselves to it in the middle of the airstrip. They wanted to highlight the UK's environmental impact on black people both locally and internationally.
The Met Police were called to the scene at around 5.40am after the protesters gained access airside in what's believed to be via the Thames. The authorities waited for 'specialist officers' to arrive and cut them from the structure before any flights could take off or land at the airport.
The UK is the biggest per-capita contributor to temperature change & among the least vulnerable to its affects. pic.twitter.com/Bb5SmKWyt6
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) September 6, 2016
In total 120 flights were delayed or cancelled after the stunt. Speaking to Sky News a Black Lives Matter Spokesperson said 'Today we are saying all black lives matter and that includes the lives of those who live close to airports'. The protest also extended to 'the lives of people living in Guinea, Eritrea and Africa who are the most vulnerable and least resilient to climate change.'
The Met were called to the airport at 5.40am and the runway was reopened by lunchtime. The protesters were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, being unlawfully airside and breaching London City Airport bylaws.
It's about 7 out of 10 countries worst affected by climate change being in sub-Saharan Africa.
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) September 6, 2016
Climate crisis is a racist crisis. Cut emissions. Open borders. #Shutdown. pic.twitter.com/IUOaeaTrmw
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) September 6, 2016
