Expansion of Stansted flies in the face of Carbon Cutting Commitment (Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats)

Suffolk County Council Liberal Democrats <info@suffolkcclibdems.org.uk>

Expansion of Stansted flies in the face of Carbon Cutting Commitment

October 13, 2008 12:00 AM

The Liberal Democrats at Suffolk County Council have today spoken out against the recent announcement to expand the passenger capacity of Stansted Airport by 10 million.

The increase, which will see the number of flights rise by 23,000 per year, shows a complete disregard for climate change by the Government.

Liberal Democrat County Councillor David Wood spokesperson for Environment and Waste said, "The expansion of Stansted Airport raises a number of questions about the Government's commitment for climate change. With the increase in capacity, the number of flights would cause not only a significant rise in carbon emissions, but also in noise pollution."

"This announcement comes at a time when recent figures show a decrease in the number of passengers using airports. Stansted in particular has seen a reduction of 4.7% this year, compared to 2007."

"On Monday of last week the Government lured us into a false sense of security by creating the new Department for Environment and Climate Change. The following day they announced the expansion of Stansted airport. This seriously undermines the Government's environmental credentials."

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Kathy Pollard added, "All that has been said about the need to tackle climate change by the Government has emerged as a red herring. Throwing us off the scent of increasing airport capacity and pollution."

"We must aim for a carbon neutral Britain, but with these measures the Government is looking back, and not forward. The views of the local people have been ignored, whilst big business looks to prosper."