Green party

Government 'in fantasy land' over Heathrow

12 November 2008

Commenting on the imminent decision by the Government on the expansion of Heathrow Airport, Green Party Leader, Dr Caroline Lucas said today:

"Any government which even thinks about giving the go-ahead to expansion at Heathrow, and recommends massive growth for the unsustainable and highly polluting aviation sector, while at the same time a promising a huge reduction in carbon emissions by 2020, is quite simply living in a fantasy land.

"The proposals for a third runway at Heathrow being debated by MPs should have been scrapped months ago. A new runway would lead to spiralling carbon dioxide emissions, unacceptable noise pollution for millions living in London and the South East and worsening air quality.

“Furthermore, at a time of global economic downturn and a reduction in flight sales, the economic benefits of expansion are in themselves highly questionable. A new runway at Heathrow does not make economic or environmental sense.

"What we need is more investment in public transport and the strengthening of high-speed rail links to the rest of Europe to reduce short haul flights."