Reacting to Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s speech on aviation policy today (Thursday 4 October 2012), Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

"Boris’ pie in the sky airport expansion plans would have a huge impact on local communities and the environment and they would seriously undermine UK efforts to tackle climate change.

“A new airport doesn’t make economic sense - London already has more flights to the world's top business centres than any of its European competitors.

“The Mayor of London says a third Heathrow runway is ‘simply mad’– but a Thames Estuary airport or expanding Stansted would be equally crazy.

“Mr Johnson must shift his focus onto improving public transport and encouraging Londoners to take trains instead of planes where possible.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.         For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk