Heathrow expansion would be environmental catastrophe

12.00.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Nov 2007

Stephen Knight contributes to a campaign film against expansion of Heathrow airport

Government plans to further expand Heathrow airport would be an environmental catastrophe, both globally and locally, says the Liberal Democrat Assembly candidate for South West London, Stephen Knight.

Speaking following the publication of proposals for a 70% increase in passenger capacity at Heathrow by 2030 with a third runway and sixth terminal, Councillor Stephen Knight said:

"Aviation already accounts for 13 per cent of the UK's total climate impact and is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. To propose such a massive expansion programme is deeply irresponsible.

"Here in South West London Over half a million people are already exposed to noise levels over World Health Organisation standards and thousands suffer air pollution exceeding EU health limits.

"The Governments seems intent on pursuing never-ending expansion of air travel, whatever the environmental cost.

"We must restrict the growth in flying, especially on short-haul routes where we must invest more in high speed rail alternatives."