Clegg Opposes Labour's Expansion of Stansted

10.37.58pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Oct 2008

Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats oppose Labour's expansion of Stansted Airport.

Speaking at a public meeting in Chelmsford on Thursday 9th October, Liberal Democrat Party Leader Nick Clegg MP, said, in response to the first question asked, that he was totally opposed to the expansion of Stansted Airport.

Nick said, "It will mean more aeroplanes, more pollution and more congestion. The aviation sector is the fastest growing for carbon emissions. There are also major issues on ground and air congestion in the South East - I am against it!

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Saffron Walden, Cllr Peter Wilcock, commented on the decision, "I am disappointed that the Inspector has accepted government policy as a given, however illogical it may be. The Inspector says that there must be economic benefits, including new jobs, from extra airport passengers just because the Aviation White Paper says so. He admits there is no reliable, quantified evidence to prove it."

Councillor Alan Dean, who speaks on airport matters for the Liberal Democrats and represents Stansted on Uttlesford District Council, said: "The decision to allow this appeal is based on the bankrupt government policy in its Aviation White Paper. This assumes that unlimited air travel is a social necessity and that any kind of economic growth is good, regardless of the consequences to the population as a whole. It's the same blind attitude that nearly bankrupted the UK banking system this week. When future generations are overwhelmed by climate change, not even the Bank of England and the Treasury will be able to come to the rescue."