Heathrow Expansion – the power of the lobbyist cannot be ignored.
As a student I had far better (in my opinion) things to do with my time than go on “demos” (for a variety of then topical causes) and the political activists seemed an odd bunch who just were not good at sport and seemed to have little else to do! So how ironic I end up outside Parliament – banner waving and chanting – when University is becoming a fond, but fading memory.
I was there for a number of good reasons not least that I had become very annoyed by the attitude of the civil servants during the initial, so called “consultation”, who patronised concerned local residents, plus I detected a “fait accompli” approach from the Government. Add that to the potential increase in noise, cars, fumes and safety and I am on the case, fuelled by the previous deception of BAA et al over Terminals Four and Five.
So I “campaigned” – designed my own leaflet and poster, distributed hundreds locally and went to the meetings and anti expansion rallies. Increasingly I campaigned with a sense of despair – the apathy of fellow residents, the incompetence of the local council (yes Richmond Borough Council, leader Serge Lourie I name and shame you) and the refusal of the Government to even talk to the opposition.
I increasingly admired the actions of Plane Stupid, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth as direct action did seem the only course of action to get attention and their genuine honesty and beliefs. But of course the decision to expand went ahead – despite what had become increasingly apparent throughout – Heathrow is in the wrong place and if New York, Paris and Hong Kong can build a convenient modern “out of town” airports why can’t the politicians here make a similar strategic decision?
The lobbyists got the decision they wanted – good for BAA (a Spanish company), bad for Britain.
I am not saying do not fly, I am saying let’s have a thought out, integrated, strategic transport infrastructure.
