Yesterday I appeared on the BBC South East’s evening news to speak out against renewed talks around Boris Johnson’s Thames Estuary Airport. As I ever, I stand firmly against any such proposals and am disappointed by its re-emergence by the Mayor of London.
Our local area is already being burdened with major issues, such as the new Thames Crossing and the huge numbers of housing, which will dominate the resources of Kent and Medway Councils for years to come. In light of no clear strategy, this will only exacerbate problems for our already congested road infrastructure supporting an ever expanding area, even before any talk of an airport. I would therefore prefer Mr Johnson to focus on London, as Mayor of London, and the problems therein rather than looking to expand his empire into Kent.
Given the Government has previously ruled out a Thames Estuary airport on economic and environmental costs, I would urge the Prime Minister and ministerial colleagues to once again confirm its unfeasibility. I would like to assure Rochester and Strood residents that I will continue to do all I can in opposing this nonsensical project and I will be actively seeking clarifications from ministers in the coming days.
The broadcast of BBC South East news can be found at the following link in the opening minutes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b073brhs/south-east-today-20032016