Dismay Over Night Flights

10.52.46am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Apr 2004

Dr Jenny Tonge MP has reacted with dismay at the news that only 54 MEPs of a total of 625 from across Europe signed a written declaration calling for a European wide ban on night flights.

Dr Jenny Tonge MP, "I find it depressing that in London only three MEPs signed the written declaration calling for a ban. I have been campaigning for years against night flights, based on my belief that sleep is a basic human right. MEPs have an obligation like any other elected bodies, to represent their constituents. I find it hard to believe that in this case they have done so, since I cannot see how any rational person could oppose the right to sleep."

Susan Kramer PPC, "I am delighted that Baroness Sarah Ludford, London's Lib Dem MEP was one of only three London MEPs supporting the ban on night flights. Every one of the five Tory MEPs for London failed to back the ban showing their contempt for all Londoners living under the flight path."

"On June 10th London will have elections for new MEPs. What an excellent chance for local people to express their verdict over the total lack of concern for a decent night's sleep in our community."

Sarah Ludford MEP added, "I've long campaigned for a fair deal for people living with both the noise and air pollution from Heathrow and am delighted that EU air pollution laws are stopping a third runway. I'm extremely disappointed that only two of my colleagues have signed this declaration. London needs MEPs which will represent their interests and make Europe work for them."

"The Tories have just been condemned by Friends of the Earth for failing to support environmental legislation, now they've failed to represent Londoners over night flights. They must worry about being recycled out of a job!"

Notes:

The only London MEPs to sign the Written Declaration were: Sarah Ludford (London's Liberal Democrat MEP), Jean Lambert (London's sole Green MEP) and Robert Evans (Labour).

The London MEPs who did not back a ban on night flights were: Claude Morais, and Mary Honeyball (Labour); Ian Twinn Charles Tannock, Theresea Villiers, Richard Balfe and John Bowis (Conservative).