Heathrow Expansion Is An Environmental Disaster - Teather

6.00.00pm GMT Fri 16th Jan 2009

Local MP Sarah Teather is campaigning against the expansion of Heathrow

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather has condemned the Government's decision to give the green light to the planned expansion of Heathrow.

Thursday's decision to allow the development of a third runway at Heathrow will have a shattering environmental impact and bring misery to thousands of local families. The third runway will bring Brent residents in Alperton, Brondesbury, Cricklewood, Harlesden, Kensal Green, Kensal rise, Kilburn, Mapesbury, Queen's Park and Stonebridge under the flight paths for the first time.

The Labour Government's plans will mean a dramatic increase in the number of flights from Heathrow. This decision will result in 700 London families losing their homes, whilst people across West and North London will suffer from increased noise pollution.

The plans faced fierce criticism from many local residents as well as groups like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"The Government have shown complete disregard for the views of Londoners and environmental groups. This decision is bad for Brent, bad for London and a disaster for the environment. It will spell misery to thousands of Brent residents brought under the flight path of the world's largest airport for the first time.

"The Government have lost all credibility on the environment. This decision makes their empty rhetoric on climate change look utterly hypocritical.

As a Government Whip, Brent South Labour MP Dawn Butler will play a leading role in blocking a vote in the House of Commons on a third runway at Heathrow; denying thousands of Brent residents the chance to have their concerns about increased noise and pollution voiced in Parliament.