Airport expansion attacked (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Airport expansion attacked

11:12am Friday 28th December 2007 in

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Susan Kramer MP has urged Government ministers to come and face the music over plans to build a third runway at Heathrow airport.

Ms Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, is asking ministers to come forward and answer questions on the proposed plans for expansion in a public meeting.

Speaking on the issue at a debate in Westminster Hall, she rejected the idea that expansion is essential for London's future prosperity.

She said: "Quality of life is not simply a luxury or an add-on - it is essential to the functioning of London's economy and, as we lose it, we put the future of London at risk.

"Mixed mode and half a day of peace certainly make a huge difference in my constituency. People can plan things like weddings in the afternoon, and schools can have a sports day.

"Will the Minister come, or will he direct his senior officials to come, and answer questions directly, face to face?"

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: "We decided to hold exhibitions rather than public meetings and this was based on feedback from residents. We are holding these in venues where people can talk about their specific concerns."