BAA branded 'Liars'

12.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2003

London Assembly Liberal Democrats today accused BAA of going back on its earlier promises not to expand Heathrow.

"We were once promised that Terminal 3 was the end of development at Heathrow, but then came Terminal 4. Now BAA is proposing a third runway. Enough is enough!"

"A third runway would have devastating consequences for the local environment with increased noise, higher levels of polluting gases, the further destruction of local habitats and wildlife and increased vehicle traffic. Thousands more Londoners would be condemned to poorer air quality and to losing even more sleep."

"This environmental catastrophe, on top of the demolition of tens of thousands of homes, can not be contemplated.

"Londoners would bear the brunt of the problems a third runway would bring, while BAA and the airlines reap the rewards. Increased profit should not be put before the quality of life of the millions of people who would be affected by such expansion."

"Heathrow is important to our economy, but the Government should not give the aviation industry everything it asks for, unquestioningly."

"Commenting on the proposals for Stansted:"

"Extending the high-speed CrossRail project to Stansted would be essential if new runways are to be built there. However, the Government is still dithering over this crucial project."