Wandsworth backs all-party campaign against third runway

Councils, MPs and campaign groups from across London have come together to oppose a third runway at Heathrow.

Wandsworth's cabinet member for the environment Guy Senior last night signed a joint statement at the House of Commons urging ministers to reject further expansion on environmental grounds.

Cllr Senior said:

"There is a great fear that the Government is about to make a huge mistake on Heathrow.The quality of life implications for people throughout south and west London are enormous. A new runway will bring more noise, make air pollution even worse and heighten the risk of accidents or terrorist attacks.

"I was delighted to sign the all-party statement on behalf of Wandsworth which has worked so hard to bring all the local authorities together on aviation issues - particularly night flights.The fact that we now have support from central areas like Kensington and Chelsea - alongside traditional campaigners like Hounslow and Hillingdon - shows just how wide the concern now is over the impact of a third runway."

The Government's White Paper announcing its decision on the runway options for the South East is expected in the week before Christmas.

MPs signing the joint statement include: Tony Colman MP; Jeremy Corbyn MP; Kelvin Hopkins MP; Ms Glenda Jackson MP; Alan Keen MP; Anne McIntosh MP; John McDonnell MP; John Randall MP; Dr Jenny Tonge MP; John Wilkinson MP;

MEPs include Robert Evans MEP; Ms Jean Lambert MEP; Ms Caroline Lucas MEP; Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP; Dr Charles Tannock MEP

Councils include Ealing; Hillingdon; Hounslow; Kensington and Chelsea; South Bucks and Wandsworth.

GLA members include Tony Arbour; Roger Evans; Eric Ollerenshaw; Darren Johnson.

Campaign groups include HACAN ClearSkies; NoTRAG - No Third Runway Action Group; Stop Stansted Expansion.

20th November 2003