|
|
Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Local Tory MP calls for Expansion of Heathrow
January 24, 2012 5:38 PM
• [Jan 22] South West London GLA candidate Munira Wilson has called for a focus on protecting runway alternation instead of re-opening the debate over a third runway at Heathrow. Local residents were shocked to hear Tory MP for neighbouring Spelthorne constituency this week suggest that a new runway be built at one of the airports in the South East - potentially even at Heathrow.
Following years of campaigning by Liberal Democrats, local community groups and thousands of local residents, the fight to block a third runway at Heathrow was finally won when the Coalition Government took power in 2010 and scrapped Labour plans for the runway. Now, Kwasi Kwarteng MP has called on the Government to think again; his comments are on the ConservativeHome website.
Munira Wilson said, "After the long, costly and gruelling battle to stop the third runway at Heathrow, it's shocking to hear that a neighbouring MP wants the debate re-opened. Residents in Richmond and Hounslow boroughs already have to suffer the effects of terrible air and noise pollution from the airport, not to mention the congestion. Our efforts should be focused on ensuring there is no permanent relaxation to the rules on runway alternation, following the Government's current and summer pilots. Talk of a third runway should be firmly put to bed."
Our picture shows Munira Wilson, campaigning against a third runway with Lib Dem GLA member Caroline Pidgeon, Vince Cable MP, Serge Lourie, former Leader of Richmond borough council, and Baroness Susan Kramer.
• GLA candidate urges Heathrow runway vigilance [RTT Jan 28]
• Runway capacity not key to London's future, Hacan warns [RTT Feb 01]