Leading the Battle Against the Third Runway

2.52.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2003

Susan Kramer, Mike Cox and Sarah Ludford MEP on the No Third Runway March

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park was represented at a march and rally in Harmondworth against the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport on Saturday June 7th by Susan Kramer, a Board member of Transport for London and prominent local Lib Dem campaigner.

Ms Kramer said: "We walked the whole length of the proposed runway, and visited all the historic buildings that will be flattened if this is ever allowed to happen. "

"What makes me despair is the sheer duplicity of the British Airports Authority – local people have been consistently deceived. We were told at the Terminal Five inquiry there was no need for a third runway – now they are openly talking, not only of a third runway but a sixth terminal.

"Our opposition is not NIMBYism. We are opposed to any development at the existing airports in the South East. It's time to end the subsidies on air transport and put the money into rail development."

"Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, also went on the march. She said: "We have a government who are constantly saying 'why don't you believe us?' They can 't blame us for being cynical when we are constantly being lied to."

"John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, paid tribute to Dr Jenny Tonge, the Richmond Park MP as "one of the leaders of the battle."

ENDS

For further information please contact Susan Kramer on 07770 941 006 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919.