Perpetuity Group

Travel disruption - Union announces BA strike dates

The Unite trade union has called for British Airways (BA) cabin crew to strike from 20-22 March and 27-30 March.  More protests are possible after 14 April.

Strike action seems likely although BA continues to negotiate with the union. Disruption to travel is unavoidable with initial assessments indicating flights from London City Airport will run normally but travel to and from Gatwick and Heathrow will be disrupted. Short-haul and domestic flights are expected to be the worst affected. Travel planning should anticipate disruptions to BA flights on these dates.  Consequently, other airlines may experience greater demand, requiring early arrangement of travel itineraries.

Security Update

Unrest likely during rally at House of Lords on 5 March.

The right-wing English Defence League (EDL) will hold an anti “Islamisization of Britain” rally outside the House of Lords on 5 March to coincide with a visit from controversial Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, whose film Fitna is considered by many to be anti-Muslim. The EDL has held a number of protests in recent months, some of which have led to violent confrontations with police and anti-fascist counter-demonstrations.  

This event is expected to attract ‘several thousand’ individuals due to counter-demonstrations. The EDL plans to gather at Tate Britain before marching to the House of Lords. The main demonstration site will be Parliament Square. Bank employees are advised to avoid the Westminster area from 13:00 onwards.