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Bristol fails to act on airport's threat to climate change targets

Bristol's Grey politicians duck the big issue

embargoed to 00:01 hrs on Wednesday 13th September

LibDem, Labour and Tory councillors on Bristol City Council this evening wrecked a proposal from lone Green Party Councillor Charlie Bolton calling for planned airport expansion to be reconsidered.

Cllr Bolton explained to the council that the city's commitment to reduce climate change emissions by 60% by 2050 could not be achieved if airport expansion is allowed to go ahead as planned. He gave figures showing that pollution from the increased flights would cancel out efforts in the city to cut emissions.

However, the other parties led by the LibDems introduced and passed a surprise amendment that backed the airport's claimed contribution to the city's status and economic growth, and merely noted concerns about its downsides - climate change, congestion, noise and local pollution.

Their amended motion was carried overwhelmingly, but without the support of Cllr Bolton.

Charlie Bolton said :
"I think this was the first time anyone had dared raise this difficult topic in full council, and I'm sorry to say it forced the other parties to show their true colours - they won't let climate change action get in the way of business as usual. You'd think they just don't read the latest scientific evidence of global warming"

"Climate change will be catastrophic, it's a greater threat even than international terrorism. Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases, and what's worse, they're released just where they do the most damage. But the Council House is in denial, the grey parties just can't bring themselves to admit it. So we've finished up with a bit of token hand-wringing to cover up their failure to take strong action, and a blessing for the airport!"

"Fortunately there are signs that beyond Bristol, people are recognising that we cannot go on increasing flights. I'll keep on raising these issues here, even if other parties find them too uncomfortable to face up to"

Notes

The Motion and amendment are here

Links

The Stop Bristol Airport Expansion alliance (www.nobristolairportexpansion.co.uk) campaigns against the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport.

On this site: Press releases 8th September, 18th June, 9th March, and response to BIA expansion consultation

Contact:

Charlie Bolton at 0117 3533166
Peter Goodwin at 01275 543280