Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Tories betraying Heathrow promise

October 1, 2007 11:00 AM

Sarah and Susan protesting against Heathrow's proposed third runway.London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has slammed the Conservatives for reversing a promised commitment to oppose the expansion of airports in and around London.

Their stance now, as expressed by George Osborne on the BBC Today programme, is merely to say that issues like a third runway at Heathrow would be 'dealt with through the planning process'.

Sarah Ludford responded:

"We are now seeing the real Tory party on display, shorn of the green camouflage worn for such a short time. Just as when David Cameron rode a bike followed by a car pumping out emissions to carry his briefcase, caring about airport over-expansion was pure spin."

"Like Gordon Brown's Labour party, David Cameron's Conservatives are failing to face up to the immense challenge of climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats, in opposing expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, can be trusted to do so."

"The Tories have also reverted to type and joined the Labour party in kow-towing to BA and BAA big business rather than listening to local residents. Unless stopped by Euro-regulation on noise and air pollution, both these parties intend to ride roughshod over concerns about health, stress and quality of life."

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and a long-standing campaigner against further expansion at Heathrow, has also expressed her anger at the Conservatives. Susan said:

"Local people rightly feel betrayed that the Tory Party has abandoned its commitment to protect local residents. The planning system has offered little protection to local people in the past and we have no faith that it will protect us in the future."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    sarahludfordmep.org.uk/en/article/2007/028219/tories-betraying-heathrow-promise
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    ludford.lib.dm/a91bL

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image