Nine Just Stop Oil Protesters Convicted Over Heathrow Runway Plot
Nine Just Stop Oil activists have been convicted after police stopped their shocking plan to glue themselves to Heathrow Airport’s runway. The stunt could have caused major flight chaos and put lives at risk.
Foiled Plan to Halt Flights and Risk Lives
On 24 July 2024, a group of environmental protesters aged between 26 and 61 were caught near Heathrow’s perimeter fence with glue, angle grinders, and other tools. They intended to cut through the barrier and attach themselves to the taxiway — a vital path moving planes between runways and terminals.
The Metropolitan Police warned that crossing the runway would have been extremely dangerous, risking lives of the protesters, airport staff, and passengers.
The planned action would have halted all departures, disrupted nearly 260,000 passengers, and forced multiple flights to divert across the UK and beyond, a seven-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court revealed.
Guilty Verdicts and Upcoming Sentencing
Eight protesters were found guilty of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Rory Wilson, 26, had already pleaded guilty. Julia Mercer, 74, was acquitted.
- Sally Davison, 37
- Adam Beard, 55
- Luke Elson, 32
- Luke Watson, 35
- Sean O’Callaghan, 30
- Hannah Schafer, 61
- Rory Wilson, 26
- Rosa Hicks, 29 (not at the scene)
- William Goldring, 27 (not at the scene)
They face sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday 16 May.
Police Slam ‘Reckless’ Protest
“The reckless actions of this group would have endangered their lives and others, while wreaking havoc at Heathrow Airport, halting flights,” said Chief Superintendent Ian Howells of the Met’s Aviation Policing Command. “There’s a clear line between peaceful protest and criminal activity, and this crossed it.”
Police released photos of the confiscated tools, prepared statements, and high-vis Just Stop Oil vests, showing the premeditated nature of the plot.
Just Stop Oil’s Controversial Campaign Goes On
Just Stop Oil campaigns to stop all new UK fossil fuel projects. Their tactics include road blockades, disruptions at oil facilities, and vandalism of famous artworks. Hundreds of arrests and prison sentences have followed.
Despite mounting criticism, the group defends its actions as vital civil disobedience against government inaction on climate change.
