Third Heathrow runway rejected by London Assembly Lib Dems

1.34.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2003

The London Assembly Liberal Democrats have told central Government that they are 'totally and unanimously opposed' to any further expansion at Heathrow Airport. This rejects the plan to build a third runway north of the M4.

The Lib Dem Group submitted a full written response to the Department of Transport calling on the Government to manage demand for air transport with a range of measures designed to 'make the polluter pay'.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson commented: "Our position is clear and unanimous: no further expansion at Heathrow – the people under the flight paths have suffered enough.

"Equally the huge regeneration planned for the deprived communities of East London in the Thames Gateway means we may need any new runway capacity at Stansted. This needs CrossRail extended from Stratford to Stansted."

At the same time Sally Hamwee, Liberal Democrat Chair of the London Assembly, criticised local assembly member Tony Arbour for playing politics with the response to Government consultation that was submitted on behalf of the London Assembly.

Objections from Cllr Arbour meant that a response from the Assembly endorsed by all the political parties couldn't go in. The Assembly's response pointed out that a majority of the London Assembly wished to see the government rule out a third runway at Heathrow.

Sally Hamwee said:

"It was childish in the extreme, and very destructive to the work of the Assembly, for Tory Assembly members led by Tony Arbour to refuse to sign up to the joint text. Playing party politics will weaken London's voice.

"The Tories should listen to Richard Barnes, the Conservative Assembly member who represents the area around Heathrow, who described the Assembly's report as 'balanced and well written'."

The full text of the London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group response to the Government's consultation on Air Transport in the South East can be viewed by visiting the files and reports page on the London Assembly Liberal Democrats website: www.glalibdems.org.uk/resources.php