Gatwick noise campaigners say expanding airport would be a ‘U-turn’

Speaking in response to recent headlines following the announcement that Zac Goldsmith will stand to be the Conservative London mayoral candidate in 2016, Chair Sally Pavey, said:

“The Conservative’s rejected airport expansion at Gatwick and Stansted as well as Heathrow in 2010.

“A recent focus on the Prime Minister’s comments on Heathrow is misleading and only tells half the story.

“There can be no ifs or buts – it’s there in black and white. A Conservative government, led by David Cameron, would be making a significant U-turn by backing a second runway Gatwick. It won’t go unnoticed, especially by the thousands of residents most impacted.”

The commitment was made in the run-up to the 2010 General Election, with the Conservative Manifesto stating: “...we will block plans for second runways at Stansted and Gatwick...” [page 23].

With the Airports Commission days away from publishing its recommendation for expansion at either Gatwick or Heathrow, Sally commented: “We hope that Sir Howard has heard the significant views of local residents, MPs and local authorities and rejects expansion at Gatwick.

“Not only would a second runway destroy the local area, it’s quite simply undeliverable. The local community, our MPs and all surrounding local authorities are strongly against it. Not to mention, Gatwick fails miserably in comparison to Heathrow when looking at the national economic benefit.

“An expanded Gatwick remains a devastating prospect for the local environment and bad for both British businesses and passengers.”

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