Take Action

Think global, Act local…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead, writer and activist)
“If enough people are fighting for change then change will come and every single person counts” (Greta Thunburg, 2020, speaking in Bristol)
… and remember the 3.5% rule

… join our campaigns …

The SBAEx campaigns provide a local response to the global climate emergency. In the aftermath of the pandemic we cannot return to ‘business as usual’: the future has no place for corporate psychopaths like Michael O’Leary (Ryanair boss), the OTPP (owners of Bristol Airport) and their predatory peers who have presumed free rein to plunder the planet and trash local communities for maximum short-term gain.
SBAEx campaigns aim to minimise the harmful impact of Bristol Airport on local communities and the global environment. Each campaign is led by groups of individuals who unite around a particular issue.

Campaign 1: Ban All Night Flights

Bristol Airport has applied to the Department for Transport for ‘co-ordinated status’ which would permit up to 4,000 night flights, mostly across the summer months [3].

Night flying already causes significant harm to the health and well-being of local communities and this level of tourist traffic is intolerable. Many international Airports, including Heathrow, have banned night flights in response to campaign pressures. Enough is enough: join the campaign to ban all night flights.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘night flights’ in the subject line

Campaign 2: A Citizen’s Charter for Bristol Airport

The desire for change, driven by youthful energy and imagination, is pushing UK political parties towards the Green transition. A Citizen’s Charter will provide a benchmark for Bristol Airport operations 2023-30 (the period of the new Local Plan) as a first step in the Green transition to a sustainable Airport operation.

The Charter will include commitments to:
– a return to levels of passenger traffic as they were around 2003 (4 million passengers with 75,000 aircraft movements);
– a freeze on passenger numbers at 4 million until technologies allow decarbonisation of the aviation industry and non-polluting, near-silent planes;
– 80% public transport access by 2030;
– no night flights (22.00-06.30);
– no encroachment on Green Belt land;
– commercial parking to be phased out.
We welcome further suggestions and support in drafting and publicising this short Charter.
Enough is enough: join the campaign to establish a Citizens Charter for Bristol Airport.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘charter’ in the subject line

Campaign 3: Open the Windows on Permitted Development

Bristol Airport’s new head office (‘The Eyesore’) was built under permitted development granted by North Somerset planners then put on the rental market without ever being used [4].

Permitted development allows the Airport extensive freedom from planning regulations but evidence is emerging that the Airport’s build-and-rent deal is a clear abuse of this privileged concession. SBAEx queries have so far received evasive replies from planning officers and we will continue to seek until we receive a satisfactory explanation.
Permitted development agreements are still shrouded in secrecy. It’s possible that the Airport and North Somerset might strike some kind of a deal as a condition of the Airport not appealing the North Somerset planning decision to refuse expansion. SBAEx will campaign for complete transparency and public consultation on future agreements between the Airport and North Somerset planners through permitted development or other paths.
Enough is enough: join the campaign to open the books on permitted development for Bristol Airport.
Email stopbaex@gmail.com with ‘perm dev’ in the subject line.

… and more ways to get involved ….

Research & Investigation
– research for campaign projects
– investigative research, especially with knowledge of FoI

Social Media
– support the campaign through social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Please provide links to our website from you own community group, draw attention to anything on our website you find interesting, and ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ our Website and Facebook links as widely as possible.

Community
Many town and parish councils objected to Airport expansion within and beyond North Somerset as a result of individual and communities expressing their thoughts and feelings. Ongoing community actions could include:
– setting up a local Airport watch group;
– hosting meetings or events in villages and town communities to create awareness of the consequences of market-led aviation, Airport plans and actions, and related topics. SBAEx will supply expert speakers;
– contact your local Councillor and Member of Parliament on a regular basis with ongoing concerns about Airport activities;
– distribute posters and flyers in local communities on occasions.

Press and Broadcast Media
– monitor and respond to published statements: the Airport routinely issues press releases celebrating statistics, such as a ‘record’ number of people flying from the Airport. The press usually publish these without comment… so write a brief letter to the editor reminding him / her that Airport press releases should have a health warning attached. This will help challenge this free Airport publicity.
– write letters and short articles for the local press expressing your thoughts and feelings.

Money
Fundraise to help with costs of publicity, meetings and events, and towards the next stage of the legal battle if the Airport challenges the Council’s rejection of the planning application;

Running things…
We have grown fast and now need more admin skills and support to coordinate the various SBAEx activities locally, and links with other airport and environmental groups within and beyond the region. Please get in touch if you have the time, skills and inclination to contribute in these areas or in other ways. Just an hour or two a week individually or in small groups can make all the difference. Send an email to StopBAex@gmail.com with ‘help’ in subject line.

Contact details
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stopbristolairportexpansion/
Website: www.stopbristolairportexpansion.org
Email: stopbaex@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StopBrisAirport

The SBAEx Website

The website carries regular updates, comment and information including:
– a guide to the impact of Airport expansion links for all  (‘Why Oppose Airport Expansion’)
– ‘Fact Sheets’ with background information and evidence;
– ‘Updates’ section exploring current issues in detail;
– ‘Take Action’, in various ways