Zac Goldsmith MP has staged a community mega-rally in Barnes against Heathrow expansion.
Despite a relatively early start and the threat of heavy rain, nearly 3,000 local residents turned out to protest the Government’s failure to rule out third and fourth runways. They listened to speeches by Zac Goldsmith, Boris Johnson, Justine Greening and Ed Davey, along with many other local MPs, MEPs and Councillors.
Zac began by telling the crowd: “We have one message: no ifs, no buts, we will stop Heathrow expansion.”
Boris warned against the “sham, the snare and the illusion” that expansion was necessary for London’s economy. He said: “If we allow the powers that be to go ahead with a third runway, we would be making a mistake that would take decades for us to unpick and to recover from.” He went on to say that expansion “would be inflicting noise pollution not just on west London, but on huge parts of London that don’t even know they are going to be affected.”
Justine Greening added: “What business needs is a long term strategy for aviation in the UK. Heathrow and a third runway is not a long term strategy for aviation in the UK.”
The speakers then gathered on stage to cast their votes in a giant ballot box constructed by students and teachers from Richmond Park Academy. Lord True, Leader of the Council, later urged residents to participate in the council’s local referendum on the issue.
Over 1,000 signatures were gathered on a giant petition, which will now be delivered to 10 Downing Street. Light relief was provided by Gyles Brandreth and protesters in aircraft and giant bunny costumes.
Zac said afterwards: “The rally was a great success and sent a clear message to the authorities. Even so, it was just a prelude to the campaign Ministers can expect if they put third and fourth runways back on the agenda. They must understand that – whether before or after the next election – we simply will not let this happen.”
The event was held at Barn Elms Playing Field on 27 April 2013, and speakers included:
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Zac Goldsmith MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston
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Rt Hon Justine Greening, MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields Secretary of State for International Development
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Boris Johnson Mayor of London
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Rt Hon Ed Davey MP MP for Kingston and Surbiton Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
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Angie Bray MP for Ealing and Central Acton
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Mary Macleod MP for Brentford and Isleworth
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Andy Slaughter MP for Hammersmith
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John Randall MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip
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John McDonnell MP for Hayes and Harlington
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Bob Blackman MP for Harrow East
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Jean Lambert MEP for London
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Syed Kamall MEP for London
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Cllr Tony Arbour London Assembly Member for South West London
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Cllr Lord True Leader of Richmond Council
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John Stewart Chair of HACAN Clearskies
You can find out more about LBRuT’s referendum, including how to vote HERE