Govind Tekale
Greater Manchester Police stopped four Just Stop Oil activists just steps away from attempting to breach Manchester Airport’s security. The group carried bolt cutters, glue, and plans to disrupt thousands of summer holiday flights.
The police caught Indigo Rumbelow (30), Leanorah Ward (22), Margaret Reid (54), and Daniel Knorr (22) walking along South Park Road in Gatley before dawn on August 5, 2024. Their backpacks contained tools that could have wreaked havoc at one of Britain’s busiest airports.
“What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk,” said Rad Taylor, Manchester Airport’s Operations Director. “The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.”
The group’s plan was simple but dangerous. They would cut through the airport’s metal fence, walk onto the taxiway, and glue themselves to the ground. Ward carried a handwritten note detailing their intentions – evidence that later proved crucial in court.
Police found more than just tools. The activists carried Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a guide for dealing with police officers. A search of their rental house in Gatley turned up Knorr’s driving license and a camera harness in the bin.
The trial highlighted several key developments. Two activists, Rumbelow and Reid, defended themselves. Ward fired her lawyer midway through the trial. A fifth member, 19-year-old Noah Crane, was found not guilty. He had allegedly bought phones to livestream the protest.
“This group had gone to significant trouble and expense in the preparation of the intended action that morning,” explained Superintendent Helen Caldbeck. “If they had gained access to the airfield, not only would they have placed themselves in extreme danger, but they would have caused untold disruption to travelers and holiday makers.”
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the potential impact. “This was a planned and targeted attack against one of the country’s busiest airports which could have caused significant disruption,” said Natalie Mackenzie, District Crown Prosecutor. “Their plan displayed a clear disregard for members of the public using the airport at the height of summer.”
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After a two-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, the jury found all four main activists guilty. They await sentencing on May 23, currently held in custody.
Just Stop Oil defended their members’ intentions. Their spokesperson criticized the courts as “out of step with what is happening in the real world,” pointing to climate change concerns.
The case demonstrates how police forces across the country work together, sharing intelligence to prevent disruptive and targeted attacks on airports, while respecting legal protest rights.
“The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern,” said Taylor. “That is why it is pleasing to see the processes that are in place to detect and intercept plans of these nature worked to good effect.”
