EU air quality rules frustrate Third Runway at Heathrow

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Dec 2003

Sarah Ludford, Susan Kramer and Hillingdon councillor Mike Cox at the 'No Third Runway' march in summer 2003

The Government has had to concede in its White Paper on air travel that it cannot press on as it would like with a third runway at Heathrow until EU anti-pollution rules can be satisfied.

London's LibDem Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford, who has long campaigned against such a third runway, commented:

"Even this government has had to admit that there is a limit to what can be inflicted on London residents; I am very happy that this limit is being set by the EU."

"Don't let's be fooled; this government is desperate to meet the aviation industry demands for more capacity at Heathrow. But they will have a huge fight on their hands!"

"It is irresponsible to fail to manage the demand for air travel. Due to chronic failure by Tory and Labour governments we still have a shambolic and expensive rail system unlike in France. No-one should have to fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow, just as now there is no need to fly to Brussels or Paris."

Sarah Ludford warned that any review of operating restrictions at Heathrow's present 2 runways must not just bring expansion by the back door.