Heathrow expansion plans are 'absolute cowardice' say Lib Dems

11.32.03am GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Liberal Democrats have hit out at the Government's plans to expand Heathrow Airport, labelling the decision as 'utter hypocrisy'.

Last week, Labour's Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the decision to add a third runway at the airport, despite massive concerns over the environmental impact of the plans.

John Dixon, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Cardiff North, said: "This decision was a big test of Labour's commitment to the environment - and they have failed. This utter hypocrisy proves that the Government's green rhetoric simply cannot be believed. Ministers have changed planning rules to stifle the voices of local residents and they have ducked a debate and vote in Parliament. The refusal to have a proper debate and vote in the House is a sign of absolute cowardice."

Emissions from air travel are due to rise by 83% between 2002 and 2020, and could amount to a quarter of the UK's total contribution to climate change by 2038. Rather than spend money on expanding airports, the Lib Dems would rather see Government funds invested in a high-speed rail network.

You can find out more about the campaign against Heathrow's expansion by visiting: http://www.stopheathrowexpansion.com - or you can go to http://www.libdems.org.uk/home/tag/transport for details of how the Lib Dems would improves Britain's transport network in a greener way.