23rd December 2005

S Wellon questions the £1.8m expansion of Gloucestershire airport (21/12/05). The letter outlines concerns about house prices and significantly increased noise and air pollution, however the key arguments against this damaging plan were not spelt out.

Aviation is the fastest-growing source of the greenhouse gas emissions which are fuelling devastating climate change. Extraordinarily aviation has tax breaks of £9 billion per year plus billions in hidden costs for infrastructure and environmental damage. This is artificially encouraging airport expansions like Staverton and at Bristol where they plan to double in size.

The three main parties just don't get it. These expansions alone will lead to an increase in emissions that will wipe out local authorities attempts to tackle climate change. We will then be forced to cripple our economy trying to reduce emissions just for the sake of cheap flights.

The UK already runs a £15 billion economic deficit from air travel: expansions mean more money going abroad rather than spent here. Plus expansions ignore the economic reality that demand for oil will increasingly outstrip supply over the coming years; in short airfare prices will rocket and demand for flights will plummet.

I am appalled by the decision to expand Staverton: it runs counter to any sane view of economics or sustainability and gives  no consideration to our future and future generations. Greens want to see an end to subsidised air travel immediately and a serious programme to address climate change.

Bryan Meloy,
Gloucester Green party

See Green party report re Bristol airport