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GoogleDocs Pause for the first two weeks of July 1st to 13th.
Proposal to XR UK groups from Actions Strategy - Heathrow Pause: June 18th and the first two weeks of July 1st to 13th
Heathrow Action Proposal & Feedback Request for XR Movement
Proposal:
An Extinction Rebellion team has proposed an escalation and movement building action in the context of the widespread acceptance we are now in a climate and ecological emergency. This team has representatives from working groups across the Extinction Rebellion system, including the Actions, Media & Messaging, Wellbeing and Legal national working groups.
This plan is designed to ensure that the Heathrow Authorities close their airport for the whole of the 18th June and for up to 10 days from July 1st as a “pause” in recognition of the genocidal impact of the high carbon activities, such as flying, upon the next generation and the natural world.
The proposal is for rebels to visit the Department of Transport in the weeks before the action and submit letters asking for an immediate cancellation of Government’s Third Runway plans to honour parliament’s declaration of a climate emergency. If these demands are not met we will hold a planned picnic and drone session in the fields around Heathrow on June 18th having given full notice to the Heathrow Authorities of our intention to do so. If following this action on June 18th the government has still not taken immediate action, on July 1st, and for up to 10 days, rebels will use a variety of nonviolent tactics to pause the airport again including, but not limited to, the flying of drones and blocking of public roads leading into the airport.
Purpose:
- To ensure the Government begins to act on its declaration of a Climate and Environment emergency by cancelling Heathrow expansion.
- To build energy, momentum and support for the next major phase of the Rebellion in the Autumn.
- As part of Extinction Rebellion’s strategy, learning from the successes of previous civil disobedience movements which involved jail sentences.
- To create the opportunity for those whose conscience dictates they must risk their liberty to challenge the genocidal plans of governments who refuse to drastically cut carbon emissions
- To state in court that in this country the law gives a right of necessity to engage in disruptive activities if they prevent far greater harm from occurring - as confirmed by the recent jury trial which found two Extinction Rebellion activists not guilty of criminal damage because their actions aimed to stop investment in fossil fuel companies.
Narrative:
The Government are betraying us. They have declared a Climate and Environment Emergency, yet are actively expanding the UK’s largest single source of carbon emissions.
We demand they act now on their promise.
This is not about individuals choosing to fly. This is about the Government promoting a practice which privileges a small percentage of society, whilst destroying the lives of future generations. There is no greater crime and we have a right and duty to that nonviolent direct action to prevent this catastrophe.
Action:
18th June has been suggested, as
(a) it is when there is a high number of business flights leaving Heathrow and in order to test this approach and
(b) to learn from it in order to maximise our impact during early July action. If we successfully shut down the airport on June 18th our threat to do so on July 1st will be taken more seriously and will have a greater effect.
(c) to give substantial notice for holiday makers to make changes
June 18th can offer 4 key action roles:
non-arrestable - people come and join a picnic with no tresspassing
low likelihood of arrest - people join a picnic in the fields in and around the drone flyers
chance of arrest with release (very low likelihood of remand) - people bring their drones to the picnic for a drone session with no intention of flying - they have no batteries and drones are used for show, comparison, frozbee replacements, etc.
chance of arrest and remand/prison - people bring drones and fly them to ensure no planes land or take-off
Early July action - this will be modified in response to the learning and feedback from June 18th.
At a minimum this could be 200 people engaged in blocking roads and transport links for a few days.
It could involve a sustained blocking tactics involving 1000-2000 people on a rota basis over the two weeks.
There could also be the option of people openly and peacefully flying drones.
The combination of the different tactical approaches would increase overall effectiveness.
The action would be called off before or during the action if the Government responds positively.
The degree to which Extinction Rebellion engages in imprisonable civil disobedience would depend on the people willing to be involved.
Considerations:
This action is designed to be wholly non-violent and peaceful. There would be no chance of flying drones while aeroplanes are in the air. Drone flights would start before the start of flights early in the morning and the authorities would have full knowledge of the intentions so they will have to close the airport. The whole action would be in the public sphere with the police, authorities and media fully aware of the plans. The tone of the whole event will be respectful of all concerned and promoted as an act of conscience and justified by the right of necessity to act to prevent massive harm.
Please collate and send your feedback in the box below, for consideration by the Action Project team to feed into the action strategy.
With love and rage.
Many thanks.
Please send any questions to AGEStrategy@protonmail.com.
Please give your feedback on this proposal from Actions Strategy group here
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