Bishop hits out at protesters

Dec 23 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

THE Bishop of Chester has condemned “criminal” protesters who caused major disruption at Stansted airport to raise awareness of the potential environmental impact of increased flights.

Members of the group Plane Stupid, which campaigns against climate change and air travel, caused scores of flights to be cancelled and disruption for thousands of passengers.

Last year the same group boarded a barge carrying a wing from Airbus’ Broughton plant along the River Dee after being banned from protesting at Heathrow where a third runway is planned.

The Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, speaking in the House of Lords, said he did not support Plane Stupid’s actions, describing what its members had done as “criminal acts”.

He added: “We need democratic, careful and thoughtful discussion, not intemperate unilateral actions because the issues are so complex and difficult.”

Bishop Peter said the proposed third runway at Heathrow presented a dilemma because it was needed in aviation and economic terms but would add to pollution in a densely populated area.

“It is also unclear how making provision for increased volumes of air traffic could be compatible with the target of an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by 2050, given that the only way known to us to propel aircraft is through turning hydrocarbons into water and CO2.

“Aviation is in a slightly different position from road and rail transport where other options are available. However much the efficiency of the engines may yet be improved, it is an energy-intensive activity.”

In wide-ranging speech on the environment, Bishop Peter suggested a major reinvestment in nuclear power was needed if CO2 reductions were to be achieved, but indicated there was a need for more direct government involvement to make this happen.

He added: “If global warming is caused by increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which is the dominant, but not universal, belief among the world’s scientists, climate change – global warming – is likely to continue throughout the 21st century.

“If so, alongside necessary efforts to mitigate the rise in CO2 concentrations, should there not also be more attention to the demands of adaptation to climate change, which does not look to be easily reversible?”