Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning, took the opportunity of a short debate on aircraft take-off and landing slots to criticise the Government’s decision to allow the expansion of Luton airport to go ahead, in a debate at The House of Commons on Wednesday, October 18.
The debate in Parliament was on a Statutory Instrument to introduce some temporary flexibility to the strict rules airlines have to follow to maintain their take-off and landing slots. Problems surrounding this have arisen due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sir Mike seized the first opportunity to let Ministers know his dissatisfaction with the recent decision.
Sir Mike Penning said: “Whilst I welcome the fact that the decision was called in by the Secretary of State, rather than let the airport owners, Luton Borough Council, run roughshod over the process, I am very disappointed with the result.
“The increased noise and pollution will affect the people of Hertfordshire and not the people of Luton who get all the financial benefits.
“The decision to allow an increased number of flights—the expansion will almost double Luton airport—was fundamentally opposed by me, other local MPs and residents, and it will be a very sad day when it goes ahead.”
This comes after the news that a fire had broken out at a Luton airport car park on Wednesday, October 11, which left thousands of holidaymakers with thousands of pounds worth of damage to their cars.
I totally agree with Sir Mike Penning’s criticism of Luton Airport’s expansion. However, not all of Luton residents will benefit from this expansion as those living in the areas surrounding the Airport suffer even more from the noise and pollution. The problem we have is that the majority of our councillors, irrespective of Party, want this expansion albeit in slightly different ways. This leaves many residents who are affected by the expansion with little or no representation to its opposition.