12 November 2008 - Commenting ahead of the imminent decision by the Government on the expansion of Heathrow Airport, MEP for the South East and Green Party Leader Dr Caroline Lucas said:

"Any government which even thinks about giving the go-ahead to expansion at Heathrow, and recommends massive growth for the unsustainable and highly polluting aviation sector, while at the same time a promising a huge reduction in carbon emissions by 2020, is quite simply living in a fantasy land.

"The proposals for a third runway at Heathrow being debated by MPs should have been scrapped months ago. A new runway would lead to spiralling carbon dioxide emissions, unacceptable noise pollution for millions living in London and the South East and worsening air quality.

"Furthermore, at a time of global economic downturn and a reduction in flight sales, the economic benefits of expansion are in themselves highly questionable. A new runway at Heathrow does not make economic or environmental sense.

"What we need is more investment in public transport and the strengthening of high-speed rail links to the rest of Europe to reduce short haul flights."

ENDS