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Archived press release

Anger as Government Backs T5

20 November 2001

PLANE CRAZY

Friends of the Earth has slammed today's decision by Stephen Byers to allow a fifth terminal to be built at Heathrow. Although Government support for the project has been one of the worst kept secrets in British politics, today's confirmation is a blow to people's health and the environment.

Building Terminal Five (T5) is bad news. It will:

• not bring the "jobs bonanza" promised by BAA and BA;
• increase already chronic road traffic and congestion;
• cause routine breaches in air pollution
• worsen Heathrow's noise pollution which already affects some 1 million people
• harm the health of people living locally and add to stress of living in and near London;
• further damage children's learning and reading ability;
• damage the green belt and drive a coach and horses through green belt policy;
• worsen climate change;
• no prevent the aviation industry lobbying for a 3rd runway at Heathrow or even a T6.

Paul de Zylva, Aviation Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

“Government support for T5 has been known for years. Although this has been the worst kept secret in British politics we're still deeply angry. Millions of people will soon find their lives blighted by this monstrous new airport. The conditions announced don't add up to a row beans. The only winners today are the massive corporations of BAA and British Airways.

“This decision shows that the only aviation strategy the Government has is constant expansion and more public subsidy. It's no wonder that people have little faith in the decision making process and the public inquiry system.”

Nic Ferriday, Aviation Campaigner for West London Friends of the Earth said:

“This is terrible news for people and the environment. And to make matters worse this may not be the last expansion. People affected by Heathrow must now prepare for battles against a third runway, a 6th and even a 7th terminal.”

A detailed media briefing on T5 is attached / available.
The Government has used T5 to argue for a fast-track planning system. FOE has a briefing outlining its concerns.

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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