Warden Message:
Heathrow Airport Protests, UK

Consular Affairs Bulletins

Europe - United Kingdom

14 Aug 2007

U.S. Embassy London released the following Warden Message on August 14:

The Camp for Climate Action is holding a gathering near Heathrow Airport from Sunday, August 12, to Tuesday, August 21, 2007. The Camp is intended to highlight issues around the air travel industry and its alleged impact on climate change. 

The protestors have declared their intention to highlight their cause by disrupting Heathrow’s day-to-day operations. Protestors are expected to conduct numerous "Direct Actions" at various strategic locations around the airport. These likely will take the form of small groups blocking/disrupting roads, offices, car parks, or any other venue associated with the air travel industry. As well as the week-long plans for “Direct Actions,” there are plans for 24 hours of “Mass Action” between midday on Sunday, August 19, and midday on Monday, August 20, when the number of demonstrators, and the potential for disruption, is expected to increase. 

If traveling by car or taxi to/from Heathrow through August 21, 2007, please allow plenty of extra time for your journey - it is highly likely you will be delayed. You may want to consider other transportation options, such as the train or Underground. If you are collecting a visitor arriving at Heathrow, give prior warning that you may be delayed getting to the airport. 

Historically, climate change demonstrators have not been violent or sought confrontation with Police. The Police are posting updated information at http://www.met.police.uk/communities_together/.
  
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at http://london.usembassy.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. You may also reach the U.S. Embassy in London at (020) 7499-9000 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. GMT