Leyton & Wanstead Liberal Democrats last Friday hosted a public meeting about the expansion at which London LibDem MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford and London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon spoke and a debate was held. Campaign groups 'Fight the Flights' and the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN) were also represented.
Newham Council recently agreed a more than doubling of flights from London City Airport from the current level of 73,000 flights a year. They are permitting 120,000 by the end of this year and 170,000 by the end of 2010. It is in fact believed (by Fight the Flights) that a further bid for 217,000 flights is contemplated, which would be a tripling of present capacity.
Mayor Boris Johnson supported the decision. Fight the Flights has taken Newham Borough Council to court over the issue. They are arguing that Newham failed to consider the Government's declared intention in the Climate Change Act to reduce aviation emissions below 2005 levels by 2050, and also that the Council failed to consult neighbouring Waltham Forest Council or affected residents in this borough.
In a packed hall with a very lively debate, the overwhelming conclusion was that Leyton and Wanstead residents should fight to prevent the planned increase in flights due to the noise disturbance and air pollution. There was a consensus that priority should be given to high-speed rail for short-haul journeys. Councillors present were urged to push for Waltham Forest Council backing for the legal challenge to Newham's planning permission decision launched by Fight the Flights. Sarah Ludford pledged to take residents' concerns to the European Environment Commissioner.
Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP said:
"The doubling of flights at London City flies in the face of EU and UK commitments to combat climate change. In making local people's lives a misery it also threatens to breach European standards on air pollution and noise limits."
"I will continue to oppose Heathrow and London City expansion by taking the fight to Brussels. The EU cares more about Londoners' health than Whitehall, Town Hall or City Hall."
Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon stated that:
"Boris Johnson talks about improving the environment for Londoners but his real record is totally different. It is a disgrace that he has given his full support to the doubling of flights out of London City Airport."
"At City Hall I will do everything I can to persuade the Mayor to change his mind on this vital issue."