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LIB DEMS ATTACK THIRD RUNWAY PLAN

 

Lib Dems join forces to oppose plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport

Liberal Democrat MPs in London and beyond have slammed Rachel Reeves’ decision today to back plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

This follows serious concerns that such plans jeopardise the UK’s climate commitments and will have a significant negative impact on local communities and human health.

A third runway would lead to hundreds of thousands more flights to and from Heathrow every year.

Evidence suggests that living near Heathrow Airport already increases the risk of health conditions including heart disease, strokes and mental health issues.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to “back Londoners” and oppose any plans that are submitted to her for final approval.

They also called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to act and “move from just warm words to firm action”.

Lib Dem MPs wrote to the Transport Secretary earlier this week to set out their opposition and urge her to “reject these plans.”

Commenting on the news, MP for Twickenham Munira Wilson said:

“Heathrow expansion would be bad for the environment, bad for local communities and bad for the UK’s rightly ambitious net zero goals. With both the economic and the environmental case in tatters, the Government needs to ground plans for a third runway once and for all.”

MP for Richmond Park Sarah Olney said:

“The building of Heathrow’s third runway would have significant environmental, social and economic impacts on my constituents Richmond Park, as well as on households living in the vicinity of the airport. Any plans to expand Heathrow’s capacity must be firmly opposed. The Liberal Democrats across London will continue to urge the Labour Government to back Londoners.”

MP for Wimbledon Paul Kohler said:

“We must grow the economy but we cannot do so at the expense of our environment. It is clear that a third runway will trample over our net zero commitments. The Government must change course and invest properly in sustainable transport infrastructure instead.”

MP for Maidenhead Joshua Reynolds said:

“The environmental costs of a third runway at Heathrow put both our planet and our community at risk. Labour could see this in opposition, why not now? My constituents in Maidenhead deserve growth that improves their lives and local area, not growth that will take years to deliver and lead to big increases in pollution and health risks.”

MP for Sutton and Cheam Luke Taylor said:

“A third runway at Heathrow is a bad deal for Londoners. It will have damaging effects on their health, their wellbeing and their local environment. The Mayor  must now step in to protect our local communities and stand up for London.”

MP for Esher and Walton Monica Harding said:

“A third runway at Heathrow would have a profound impact on our climate, health, and communities. With a lack of clarity on the economic benefits and costs to the tax payer, along with serious environmental and health concerns, the Government must urgently address these questions.”

The Leader of Richmond Council has today reaffirmed the Council’s long-standing opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the construction of a third runway, following the latest announcement from the Chancellor.

Richmond Council leader Cllr. Gareth Roberts stressed the significant harm the expansion would cause to local communities, already heavily affected by flight paths.

“Richmond Council has been clear and consistent in its stance: a third runway at Heathrow would have catastrophic consequences for our borough and for London.

“The environmental damage, increased noise pollution, and disruption to local communities are simply too high a price to pay, especially when viable alternatives exist that can support sustainable economic growth without compromising our health or our future.

“We fully recognise Heathrow’s importance to the local and national economy, but a better Heathrow does not have to mean a bigger Heathrow.

“Growth should never come at the expense of the wellbeing of our communities or the health of our planet.

‘lThe airport has yet to present a credible plan showing how its expansion would align with the UK’s net-zero targets. It continues to ignore the ongoing issues of noise and air pollution that are severely affecting our residents.

“The Chancellor’s decision to prioritise short-term economic growth over the long-term health of our communities and the environment is deeply disappointing.

“This move fails to consider our climate commitments and disregards the devastating impact a third runway would have on families and households in our borough and across London.

Councillor Roberts is actively reconvening a cross-party coalition of councils, local MPs, Assembly Members, and community groups to oppose the renewed push for expansion at Heathrow.

But “This coalition was instrumental in overturning the government’s approval of a third runway in 2020, and by uniting once again, we will continue to fight for the protection of our borough and the wider London community from the adverse effects of this expansion.”

Last month, Richmond Council restated its opposition to a third runway and updated its policy position on Heathrow’s planned developments, including opposing any increase in night flights, challenging airspace modernisation, and supporting renewed efforts on easterly alternation.

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