Tom Brake: 'Government's Heathrow decision is disastrous but the fight is not over'

1.55.53pm GMT Mon 26th Jan 2009

Following news that the construction of a third runway will go ahead, Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrat London spokesman and former Transport spokesman, is to table a series of parliamentary questions to bring out into the open the real impact of a third runway and other changes in aircraft movements on residents in Carshalton and Wallington.

Tom has described the government's decision to proceed with the third runway as "ill-thought through, unnecessary and environmentally disastrous."

'Aside from rendering the government's targets for cuts in carbon emissions practically impossible, I am deeply concerned that the new runway, along with changes in aircraft routing, will have a direct and harmful impact upon millions of Londoners, including my own constituents' commented Tom Brake.

For over ten years Tom Brake has consistently opposed proposals and plans for the further extension of the nation's largest airport

Tom added, "I will continue to oppose and campaign against the third runway. Local residents must not think that this is a done deal. We will carry on the fight against Heathrow expansion."

More worrying still is the Government's disregard for the opposition it has encountered to these plans - in Parliament, in its public consultation, and amongst many businesses, in whose name this decision is being justified. A recent survey conducted amongst Tom Brake's constituents has revealed that 70% of respondents are opposed to Heathrow expansion.

Tom Brake has launched a petition calling for the government to reconsider the expansion.