Monday, 6th October 2008

UKIP Deputy Leader David Campbell Bannerman has made it clear that the party does not support the building of a second runway at London Stansted airport.

Mr Campbell Bannerman, MEP candidate for Eastern Counties, told the BAA Stansted "Noise Seminar" at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on 3 October, that UKIP was in favour of a major new London airport, with four or more runways, located in the Thames Estuary.
 
He said: "UKIP supports the existing Stansted airport as an important local facility. We applaud the progress that airport operators such as BAA and aircraft manufacturers have made in reducing aircraft noise, and the seriousness with which they take these matters. The noise reductions of between 60% and 70% on new aircraft models compared with existing ones are a significant achievement.
 
"However, UKIP does not support a second runway at Stansted as the resulting increase in aircraft movements would have a hugely detrimental effect on surrounding communities in Suffolk and Essex.

"UKIP advocates a major new London airport located in the Thames Estuary with the vast majority of flights arriving and leaving over open water, not over people's homes. This new airport could have four runways or more and operate night flights without disturbing local residents. It could replace Heathrow and remove the need for a major expansion at Stansted.
 
"Those who argue this would not be possible should visit Hong Kong and Singapore, where brand new airports have been built with high-speed rail access and have been very successful.

"A piecemeal approach doesn’t work, we need long term, imaginative thinking on our airports. We would all benefit."

Back to Latest News