Articles and Speeches

3rd runway fight goes on
11-May-09, Bracknell News

As a local resident before I was elected, one of the biggest issues concerning local residents has been aircraft noise. 

The decision by the Government to bulldoze through runway 3 earlier this year has sparked a large increase in correspondence and telephone calls to the Parliamentary office from angry, disappointed and disillusioned residents. 

However, the fight against the third runway is far from over.  I am reassured by the number of active residents, the many campaign groups and the Conservative party’s commitment to stop the runway should they win the election.  So in Parliament I continue to press the case and work hard on behalf of constituents. 

In the past month alone, I have met with BAA, British Airways and attended the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Aviation Forum with neighbouring MP Theresa May.  I have urgently pressed BAA to keep residents updated about the process and the proposals they have to implement the abolition of the Cranford Agreement. 

The greatest strength of the national campaign against the third runway has been its unity.  Neighbouring boroughs and Conservative, LibDem and Labour MPs have been fighting shoulder to shoulder.  It is essential that we do not allow the Government to divide and conquer the campaign by getting neighbouring areas and MPs to fight each other until the battle is won. 

I therefore urge us all to remain united in the fight against the third runway.  If the third runway is built we will all experience more flights over our homes – with or without the abolition of the Cranford Agreement – and this will adversely impact the quality of life in our beautiful area.