HEATHROW 3RD RUNWAY DECISION

Thank you to those who contacted me to let me know of your concern over the Government's plans to expand Heathrow airport.

The Lib Dems were the first party in parliament to oppose a third runway at Heathrow and indeed we introduced a motion calling for the plan to be abandoned as long ago as the 8 May 2007. Unfortunately, we were not supported on that occasion by either Labour or the Conservatives, though I am pleased to see that opposition to a third runway is now increasing.

We believe that these proposals will have disastrous consequences for the environment, both locally and in terms of climate change. We are also very unhappy that the Government seems to be willing to ignore all of these arguments and push forward with its plans without facing a vote in Parliament. I would like to assure you that the Lib Dems will fight to ensure that this most important planning decision will face a vote in Parliament.

My colleagues and I firmly believe that there are alternatives to the expansion of Heathrow. In 2007, up to 125,000 short haul flights were using space at Heathrow. We were the first party to announce a commitment to developing high speed rail links across the country that can provide the extra capacity to move people to short haul destinations more efficiently, in more comfort and in most cases quicker. We have seen, for example, Eurostar capture over 70% of London - Paris passenger traffic. We need to follow the lead of Spain , which has a major programme to develop high speed rail lines that will compete directly with short haul aviation. It is our belief that High Speed Rail presents us with a viable means of expanding our economy without causing untold damage to our environment.

While the Government's announcement that it will not pursue the option of ending runway alternation at Heathrow is welcome, it remains our opinion that any Heathrow expansion will create unacceptable difficulties for those who live nearby. Air pollution, already recorded in parts of London above the legally binding limits which come into force in 2010, will be greatly increased and noise pollution will blight the lives of residents for miles around the airport. This Government's assurances of 'green slots' and a cap on flights using the new runway hold little value when previous promises made have been broken with depressing regularity and inevitability. The Government must be made to realise that they cannot sweeten this poisoned pill with a few meaningless initiatives and a tentative indication that they will look at high speed rail links. The decision to push ahead with a third runway at Heathrow has made a mockery of this Government's green credentials while uniting opposition in Parliament and across the country.

It is my belief that with a firm and measured approach to campaigning, the people of Britain can successfully oppose a third runway. I can assure you that the Lib Dems will be at the forefront of such a campaign.

Incidentially you will be interested to note that Woking Conservative Group on the Borough Council take a different view to their Leader. I put a formal question to them at Full Council asking them if they had changed their position in line with their Leaders. The answer was a firm "NO"