KRAMER SUPPORTS CLIMATE CHANGE CAMP

Written by Susan Kramer MP on Wed 15th Aug 2007

FROM THE OFFICE OF SUSAN KRAMER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 AUGUST 2007

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, yesterday (14 Aug) visited the Climate Change Camp to show support for the cause of halting expansion at Heathrow. She and fellow Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, Vince Cable, also wanted to support the right to protest peacefully.

Kramer said: "The Government and BAA are about to put forward proposals that would nearly double the number of flights at Heathrow and end the half day of peace we get at present by changing the pattern of take-offs and landings. Local people have already been pushed past their limit for increasing noise from Heathrow flights and these plans would make life unbearable.

"We must also get serious about combating climate change. If we allow "business as usual" for growth in flights, aviation will increase from some 6% of our CO2 emissions to nearly a quarter by 2038.

"The protesters at the camp seem to be very well organised and are constantly insisting that they will not harm anyone - this is very different from the inflammatory language used by the national press. The police presence is very intimidating, with police taking photographs of people and limiting access. Yesterday they were doing detailed searches of people.

"I find it outrageous that anti-terror powers which the police demanded to tackle attacks like 7/7 are now being used to stamp on a peaceful airport protest. The police should be protecting freedom of speech not frightening people away."

ENDS