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AEF calls for halt to Heathrow expansion as Government launches call for evidence on aviation strategy

21st July, 2017

Embargoed until 00:01 on Friday 21 July 2017 

Contact: Tim Johnson// tim@aef.org.uk// 07710 381742

Anticipating tomorrow’s launch of an 18-month process to develop an aviation strategy for the UK, beginning with a call for evidence, AEF has responded with disbelief that the Government still plans to ask parliament to give its approval to a new runway before the strategy has been developed.

AEF Director, Tim Johnson, said

Heathrow expansion presents huge environmental challenges, and would mean lower passenger growth at regional airports as more demand gets concentrated in the South East. Why is the Government only just starting to consider a national strategy for the UK’s airports, and for tackling the sector’s impact on climate change and the local environment?

It’s a classic case of the ‘cart before the horse’. How can MPs take a view on whether or not to support the Government’s plan for a new runway before there’s any plan in place to ensure that it won’t compromise our ability to get to grips with London’s air quality problem, or to deliver on legal climate change targets?

AEF has launched a campaign this week calling on MPs to reject any vote on airport expansion until the Government publishes plans to tackle key environmental hurdles. Our infographic Why The Third Runway Plan Can’t Fly can be downloaded here.

—ENDS—

Contact: Tim Johnson// tim@aef.org.uk// 07710 381742