Decision to expand London City airport slammed as “reckless”
Caroline Russell AM has condemned the government’s decision to approve the large scale expansion of London City airport.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, decided in May to withdraw City Hall’s objection to City Airport’s expansion plans.
Caroline commented,
“This is a terrible news. When Sadiq Khan took office he withdrew the previous Mayor’s opposition to the City Airport expansion plans and in doing so he paved the way for today’s decision by the government.”
“He has pledged to be 'the greenest Mayor London has ever had' and this week announced his vice chairmanship of a key global climate change committee. But by effectively giving these airport expansion plans his seal of approval back in May and refusing to stop the toxic Silvertown Tunnel project nearby, he is not showing himself to be worthy of that title. ”
“From not being able to sleep with the windows open due to aircraft noise at night, to higher levels of asthma in children who live in the area - people in east London are really going to suffer because of this reckless decision.”
“The Mayor needs to be consistent and start taking actions that match the green image he is trying to cultivate. He should stop lobbying for airport expansion at Gatwick, talk to east Londoners suffering from air pollution and rethink his position on London City airport.”
Notes to editors
Caroline is available for interview.