Local MP joined Heathrow protest

1.52.42pm GMT Wed 25th Feb 2009

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington joined the demonstration last Thursday outside Downing Street against the Government plan for a third Heathrow runway.

Around 200 protesters shouted slogans condemning the disastrous proposal. Some demonstrators were dressed as polar bears, urging the Prime Minister to 'save their icesheet'.

Tom Brake MP said:

'As former shadow secretary of State for Transport, I have always been against a third runway. This is a mad decision. At a time when the whole planet is asking for a 'Green Revolution', this Labour government gives a green light to a massive rise in emissions.. Our children will have to pay a high environmental price for that stupid choice.

'Any increase in airport capacity will further exacerbate the noise and environmental pollution in the skies surrounding Heathrow, with Carshalton identified as one of the areas that will suffer from increased aircraft noise and pollution. This decision is a complete disgrace to democracy as no one locally has been previously consulted.

'The fight is definitely not over. Local residents must not think that this is a done deal. I will do everything to stop the expansion. I urge local people to take responsibility for the environment and to sign my petition. Every single voice counts.'

The demonstration was organised by the Campaign against Climate Change, and supported by local resident of Sipson, who will loose their homes.

Tom Brake has also joined the Stop the Plot campaign. He owns a piece of land in the middle of the proposed third runway site at Heathrow.