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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Julian Huppert writes… Boris Island is no more than an election ploy
January 28, 2012 10:44 AM
• [Jan 21] Julian Huppert*writes: JUST one week after the Government gave the green light to a multi-billion pound high speed rail network, taxpayers are being asked to consider another tranche of infrastructure investment. But the case for a £50 billion Thames Estuary Airport, dubbed 'Boris Island' after London's inimitable Mayor, is so confused that it no longer constitutes a coherent proposal at all.The main argument in favour is that, in order for London to retain its 'hub' status, we need significant investment in a brand new airport . .
So why the confusion? Why are Boris' conclusions so far from that of myself, the Liberal Democrats, the Department for Transport and even the CEO of BAA?
Because his premise is simple. Boris has an election in May. He needs a grand transport plan - one which he can promise to deliver, without actually paying for or delivering. The airport, then, is a perfect ploy. In the words of Caroline Pidgeon this is "an initiative by Conservative Ministers to give credibility to Boris Johnson's discredited idea of a Thames Estuary airport ahead of May's elections".
* Julian Huppert is Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge.
• Julian Huppert MP writes… Boris Island is no more than an election ploy [LDV Jan 21]
• Does Heathrow's third runway remain best option for British trade? [Guardian Feb 01]
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