Plans to expand Heathrow airport with a third runway have been condemned by
London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert today as she called on the Prime Minister to
halt all plans immediately.
Over 2 million residents, the majority living in West London, will have their quality of life dramatically destroyed if the expansion of Heathrow Airport, which has been met by mounting opposition, goes ahead.
As Jean Lambert MEP signed the petition to stop the expansion of the UK's busiest airport she warned that the plans would not only have a devastating impact on the environment and our health but would lead to a surge in damaging CO2 emissions.
Jean commented; "The Government's actions concerning our environment demonstrates a severe lack of joined up thinking. On the one hand they are flying the green flag urging as all to make lifestyle changes and reduce carbon emissions in the battle against climate change. Yet on the other hand they continue to make moves to expand the aviation industry - one of the fastest growing sources of emissions fueling climate change.
"Not only is the expansion against Government targets for limiting all forms of pollution including noise and air but it will inevitably impact on the green belt and directly impinge on the homes and health of millions of Londoners.
"If this government is serious about sustainable development and putting the interests of Londoners first it must end the expansion of Heathrow airport immediately."
Jean continued to urge everyone to sign the petition, which closes on 7th April
2007 and can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/HeathrowRunway/,
to stop the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Morwenna Holland, Media Officer
tel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812
email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk
www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and
Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament
for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is
one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives
in the European Parliament.