CAMERON CAVES ON LONDON AIRPORT EXPANSION

Written by SUSAN KRAMER MP on Mon 1st Oct 2007

On the "The Andrew Marr Show" yesterday, David Cameron, refused to oppose expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports saying: "That's something that has to go through the planning system".

Consultation on plans to effectively double the number of flights at Heathrow is due to begin this autumn. The consultation is expected to include runway 3, Terminal 6 and a change in operating patterns that would end the local half day of peace from aircraft.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and Liberal Democrat Transport spokesman said: "Local Tory claims to back campaigns against expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted are shown to be just sham. The Quality of Life report already watered down opposition to more runways and the Tories have now abandoned it altogether.

"Local people know that the planning system has done just about nothing to halt the relentless growth of London's airports no matter what the impact on local residents.

"This cynical appeasement of the John Redwood camp shows the Tory approach to the environment to be just green window dressing. My local community in Richmond will feel utterly betrayed. "

ENDS