Motion Also Rejects Thames Estuary Airport Proposal

The Liberal Democrat Party in the British Parliament has proposed an aviation policy that would sharply curtail expansion at airports near London, and rejects a proposed new hub airport in the Thames estuary area.

The motion, offered by MP Julian Huppart, co-chairman of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Transport, calls for no new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stanstead airports. It also "firmly" rejects the idea of a Thames estuary airport, saying a study should be conducted by an independent entity to "find a location for a hub airport or a suitable airport to expand into a hub for the long term."

Air and Business Travel News reports that the motion was made at the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party annual conference. MP Huppard said that what the county needs is a "balance" between "international connectivity and the environmental threats we face." He said the motion "strikes the right balance for Britain."

Transport minister Norman Baker said the motion is "pro economic growth" while not abandoning the party's "commitments to the environment." Baker said "There will be no third runway on our watch."

The British government has commissioned a study to look at ways to increase capacity in the short term. That report is due out by the end of next year.

(Artist's rendering of proposed Thames estuary airport.)

FMI:  www.libdems.org.uk