Plans to shut down Heathrow airport by climate change protesters have been postponed.
Extinction Rebellion had threatened to fly drones over the base on dates in June and July unless the government dropped plans to expand the airport.
Today the Extinction Rebellion confirmed its plans have been cancelled and said the airport would “not have to pause any summer flights”, according to the BBC.
On Friday, police warned protesters they could face a life sentence if they took part and urged campaigners to reconsider.
The action was due to start tomorrow and for up to 10 further days in July.
The group said in a statement: “The subsequent accusation that Extinction Rebellion was willing to endanger life is a depressing and predictable smear.
“Extinction Rebellion has not removed Heathrow airport from its strategic planning.”
Heathrow airport said the action could “endanger the lives of the travelling public and our colleagues”.
A spokeswoman added: “We agree with the need to act on climate change, but that requires us to work together constructively – not commit serious criminal offences.”
Ten days of protests by Extinction Rebellion in London in April resulted in 1,130 people arrested.
In December, a drone attack caused disruption for tens of thousands of passengers at Gatwick airport resulting in an extended no-fly zone for the devices.
Meanwhile, a new runway and taxiways over the M25 is being proposed by the airport, according to The Times.
Images appear top show the M25 would be rebuilt in a tunnel west of its current location.
Plans to cross the M25 were revised following concerns from Highways England about the risk of damage to the tunnel by aircraft and fears drivers could be distracted by planes.
The plans will be unveiled on Tuesday as part of a three-month public consultation into Heathrow’s £14 billion expansion.
More: Climate change activists threaten to shut down Heathrow with drones
