Heathrow Third Runway shows government green claims to be sham

2.43.36pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Dec 2006

Sarah campaigning against a Third Runway with Susan Kramer MP and Richmond Council Leader Serge Lourie

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander's announcement today that both Heathrow and Stansted airports are to have new runways exposes the hollowness of the Labour government's commitment to tackling global warming, claims London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford.

Baroness Ludford, who has campaigned consistently and vigorously against the government's plans to build a Third Runway at Heathrow, said:

"How are we to believe this government's stated commitment to tackling climate change when they give the green light to airport expansion despite the fact that aviation is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide in this country?"

"The fact that this announcement coincides with Environment Secretary David Miliband's call for increased focus on the environment demonstrates why this government's trust ratings have plummeted."

"With 2006 having been Britain's warmest year on record, it is sheer folly to massively expand air travel as if there was no tomorrow."

"Londoners can be assured that this is only the beginning of a long fight to protect our city's environment from air and noise pollution. I will certainly be exploring all possible avenues under EU environment law to try and nip the government's polluting ambitions in the bud."