Government given measure of local feeling for second time in a week. Sir Alan Haselhurst has presented a 33,000 signature petition calling for no more runways at Stansted Airport to Minister of State for Transport, John Spellar MP.

In a departure from usual procedure, the Minister agreed to receive the petition in person from Mark Prisk (MP for Hertford & Stortford) and Sir Alan Haselhurst (who is Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, in addition to being Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden which includes Stansted).

Sir Alan said "Last week, Robert Chambers, the leader of Uttlesford and I presented a referendum to the Prime Minister which made it clear that local residents do not want more runways. Today, Mark Prisk and I have presented 33,000 signatures to the Minister of State which make it clear that local residents do not want more runways." 

"Even if it ignores the overwhelming arguments we have put forward against expansion, the Government should not dismiss these documents which make it clear that there is massive opposition to the surrender of the beautiful countryside of North West Essex and East Hertfordshire to concrete, noise and air pollution. I will do everything in my power to persuade Ministers that there is a better way of dealing with the rising demand for air travel than the relentless expansion of inland airports." 


3 December 2002

For further details please contact Darren Hector.

Tags: Uttlesford Stansted Expansion Sir Alan Haselhurst