Terminal 5

Written by Vincent Cable MP on Wed 14th Nov 2001

The tragic plane crash in New York this week sent shivers down everyone's spins no doubt. But none more so, than the residents of South West London.

Queens lies almost exactly the same distance away from JFK airport, as Richmond does from Heathrow. As I watched in horror the footage from New York, I could not help but think of my own constituency.

Aircraft safety is an issue that affects all of us, not just when we fly but also because of where we live.

Over the past few weeks there have been rumours flying around about when the Government is going to announce its decision on Terminal Five. At the time of writing, the decision has still not been announced.

In light of the recent downturn in air travel since September 11th, and now this tragic plane crash in New York, surely the argument for Terminal Five has been severely weakened.

And yet, we have seen complete Government inaction over the European Court of Human Right's ruling that night flights should be banned and now it seems they are stalling over the announcement of Terminal Five. It has been two and a half years since the end of the four-year public inquiry into the issue.

I do not understand why the Government has taken so long to come to a decision on an issue that is so the residents of South London are so vehemently opposed to?

I am sure most of you will know my views on Terminal 5. I have been campaigning against it since I was a councilor in Richmond.

Unfortunately, the rumours are that the decision will give the go-ahead to the building of a fifth Terminal, despite our best efforts. What concerns me greatly, is the conditions the Government agrees to.

The conditions must ensure that the overall number of flights does not increase and that there are clearly stated noise limits that are adhered to. The ECHR ruling on night flights should have sent a clear message to the Government that noise pollution is an infringement on our human rights and needs to be reduced.

Further more, the building of a third runway MUST be ruled out completely.

Tony Blair has been talking about "quality of life" recently. I hope he remembers this phrase when he finally decides to make the announcement on Terminal Five.

Not only have the residents of South West London suffered enough due to noise pollution, sleepless nights and increased traffic congestion, they also have to deal with the anxiety of aircraft safety and security.