Lib Dems stand up against Heathrow expansion

12.00.00am GMT Sun 5th Mar 2006

Today the Liberal Democrat conference in Harrogate called for an end to Heathrow expansion in a conference motion. Andrew Dakers, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth, pledged to lie in front of the bulldozers if the government allowed the construction of a third runway to go ahead.

Andrew Dakers said:

"Heathrow is already the world's busiest international airport and the cost of further a third runway will be paid for by Hounslow residents, who will suffer a staggering decline in their quality of life.

"Gordon Brown has indicated his determination to find a way round the problem, launching a new study aimed at 'identifying solutions that would allow' the runway to be built. Gordon's Private Parliamentary Secretary, local MP Ann Keen, should get her boss to try living under the Hounslow flight path.

"If the government allows a third runway to go ahead I will lie in front of the bulldozers. It is a moral outrage that the Labour would kowtow to big companies and subject Hounslow residents to more aircraft noise and more air pollution."

Satnam Kaur Khalsa, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Feltham & Heston, added:

"Thousands of people may be forced to leave their homes because the Heathrow airport extension would render them unlivable. This weekend the Lib Dems have set out our vision for a strong, sustainable airline industry that respects environmental limits."