Liberal Democrats oppose expansion of Heathrow

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 5th Jul 2002

Cllr. Serge Lourie, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Richmond Council has reacted angrily to a Government leak proposing that there should be a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

The Sunday Times [7 July] has picked up a report in Friday's papers and states that "Alistair Darling, the new Transport Secretary, will announce within the next two weeks how Britain can tackle an anticipated doubling in the number of air passengers over the next 30 years. His options to be considered for the Southeast will include new Runways at Heathrow…."

Said Cllr Lourie "This piece of spin is intended to soften up opposition to a massive expansion of Heathrow Airport. It is clear that the Government intends to push through a large increase in traffic at Heathrow and the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council will be resisting any increases. Indeed we believe it is important that the scourge of night flights is ended. Gordon Brown has already signalled that the Government wants to reduce the power of local people opposing large developments by ending planning enquiries."

"Another area in which the Government could increase capacity at Heathrow is by ending runway alternation. This would lead to a substantial reduction in he local quality of life."

"Many local Liberal Democrats are members of HACAN-Clearskies and we will be working with them to oppose the Government."

For further information, contact Cllr Serge Lourie on York House 020 8891 7102