Responding to the publication today [Thursday 12 July 2012] of the Government's long term vision for aviation and the postponement of its consultation on UK airport capacity, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns, Andrew Pendleton said:

“The aviation industry must do more to reduce its significant impact on communities and the environment – and Ministers must take steps to make it face up to its responsibilities.

“But the threat of airport expansion still looms large.

“Building more airports or runways will create more noise and pollution misery for thousands of people and make it harder to meet UK climate targets.

“London already has more flights to the world’s top business centres than any of its European competitors – we don’t need more airports or runways.”

ENDS