Lib Dem Conference Backs Campaign Against Second Runway at Stansted

8.05.15pm GMT Tue 14th Mar 2006

Local Liberal Democrats attended their party's national Spring Conference at Harrogate over the weekend, where one of the key motions was on the party's Aviation and Airports

policy. The motion renewed the party's commitment to opposing the building of any more runways in the South East, including Stansted.

In proposing the motion, Tom Brake MP, Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport said: "As a party we accepted the Kyoto target of a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. We need to demonstrate how aviation can help reach that target and to show how we will apply the 'polluter pays' principle."

Cllr Mark Gayler, Lib Dem Leader of Uttlesford District Council, speaking in the debate, told the party conference that Uttlesford Lib Dems were at the forefront of the party's campaign against the Government's aviation policies, as Stansted was the proposed location of the next new runway in the South East. He told the conference:

"BAA Stansted are currently consulting on options for a second runway at the airport, and we are campaigning hard against what would be an environmental catastrophe for our area. But our campaign is not just a NIMBY campaign, it is a campaign for the future of our planet."

"We have heard words from the Government about tackling climate change, but we have seen little action. Growth in air travel is incompatible with the Government's carbon emissions reduction obligations, yet they continue to push for more runways to send more and more carbon polluting aeroplanes into the sky."

Speaking after the debate Cllr Gayler commented:

"The Conference backed the motion overwhelmingly. Liberal Democrats are committed to real action to protect our environment, and believe in taking the tough decisions needed to control the growth of aviation. I am delighted that we have the party's backing in our campaign to stop a second runway at Stansted."