Climate campaigners believe third runway will stall (From Enfield Independent)

Climate campaigners believe third runway will stall

10:49am Monday 19th January 2009

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DEMONSTRATORS who live under a flight path have said they don't believe the expansion of Heathrow airport will go ahead despite the Government approving the plans for a new terminal last Thursday.

Campaigner David Hughes, of Conway Road, Palmers Green, and wife Myrna, were among those chanting "deeds not words" at the Edwardian-themed protest picnic last Monday, organised by Climate Rush and held in the departure lounge of Heathrow's terminal one.

Mr Hughes said: "I don't think the runway or the extra terminal will ever be built. The Conservatives are reputed to have warned potential contractors that they will cancel the contract if elected. "The cost of oil will rocket again as soon as the recession is over. The evidence is that climate change is fast gathering pace and, perhaps most of all, the decision is in direct opposition to the Government's climate policy."

He added: "What angers me most is the message this sends the nation: despite all the rhetoric about the greatest threat we face the Government doesn't think climate change warrants a place in policy. Why should individuals take note if the Government doesn't?"

The rally was attended by John Stewart, chairman of anti-airport expansion group HACAN, and Labour MP John MacDonnell, who was suspended for five days from parliament after grabbing the ceremonial mace from the dispatch box.

Southgate residents, who stand to be under the flight path, have received about a hundred letters of protest. Southgate's Conservative, MP David Burrowes, said he had signed several early day motions against the expansion.

He said: "The Government hasn't given sufficient assurances over the environmental and economic case. If the case can be made that there is a need for an increase in capacity then we need to look at options other than Heathrow."

He said he had "great concern" about the fact that MPs hadn't been given a vote on the issue.

Andy Love and Joan Ryan were not among the 50 MPs who rebelled against it, and Ms Ryan spoke in favour of the motion, saying the decision was about the "national economic interest".

Enfield Councillor Terry Neville, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We understand that the proposed flight paths for the planned runway will pass over Enfield. This will cause significant noise pollution and harm the quality of life for thousands of Enfield residents, especially in the south and east of the borough.

"However, I feel that there is a third way which will meet economic and environmental concerns.

"In this respect, I would welcome exploration of the Mayor of London's idea of a new airport in the Thames estuary."

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