Google Earth showed protesters way to conquer parliament

Demonstrators revealed yesterday that they had used Google Earth to plot their
protest on the roof of the Houses of Parliament last week against the
expansion of Heathrow.

The website, which allows users to zoom in on satellite photographs of Earth,
“showed us all the walkways, steps and other details we needed to make our
way across the roof from the door to the far side where the public could see
us”, said Leo Murray, one of the five protesters.

The planning for the stunt began last autumn after the government published
documents for a public consultation on a possible third runway at
Heathrow.“What really enraged us was the government saying it supported the
idea [of a third runway] even before the consultation began,” said Murray,
31, a postgraduate student in animation. “The consultation was also rigged
to exclude almost any mention of climate change.”

Tamsin Omond, a 23-year-old with a first-class degree in English literature
from Cambridge, described how they were able to map out the interior of the
Palace of Westminster without raising suspicions. “We sent in a
reconnaissance group who simply wandered around till they found the route to
the roof ending in an open door. The fag butts around it showed it was being
used by smokers,” she said.They managed to recruit a young Commons insider
who, thanks to having a security pass, was able to carry the banners,
handcuffs (bought from a Soho sex shop) and other equipment past the body
scanners and X-ray machines that are supposed to protect the buildings.

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In all about 15 activists were involved. Though some now face court action,
they are determined to continue their campaign.

There are suggestions they may try to disrupt the opening of Heathrow’s
terminal five later this month and that a large protest is being planned for
Hyde Park this summer. “What the Commons saw this week is just the start,”
said Omond.

Protest directory: where to join up

Hacan Clear Skies A voluntary organisation that campaigns against
airport expansion and for the rights of those living under flight paths. 020
8876 0455, www.hacan.org.uk

The 2M Group An alliance of 12 local authorities around Heathrow
representing 2m people concerned about the environmental impact of the
airport’s expansion on their communities. Membership comprises eight London
boroughs as well as those of Slough,Windsor and Maidenhead and the South
Bucks District Council. www.2mgroup.org.uk

No Trag The No Third Runway Action Group is a residents’ association
against the runway plans and the resulting destruction of Sipson village. www.notrag.org

Plane Stupid A nonviolent direct action group that campaigns against
airport expansion and greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.
07948 219 493, 07828 632 136, www.planestupid.com