A decision by Secretary of State Robert Jenrick on whether to ‘call in’ the proposed expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport was expected today. However the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) was told by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government that the decision has been delayed for an unspecified amount of time.
Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “Over the last few weeks we have seen environmental groups, community groups, MPs, scientists and literally thousands of people, writing directly to the Secretary of State asking for a public inquiry. Thousands more have signed our petition. We hope that the delay is a sign that Mr Jenrick is taking those requests very seriously.”
He added: “Leeds City Council has refused to accept responsibility to safeguard the health of our communities, our climate and future generations. As a consequence the ball is in Mr Jenrick’s court. We urge him to take that responsibility and order a public inquiry.”
Additional notes:
1) Public inquiry request: GALBA’s letter to Robert Jenrick requesting a public inquiry can be found here.
2) Petition: you can see GALBA’s petition here.
3) Photo: a high resolution photo of a giant projection onto Leeds Civic Hall of the words ‘Stop Leeds Bradford Airport expansion’ is attached. The photo is owned by GALBA and we freely give it for publication but please credit the photographer, Neil Terry.
4) Climate science and LBA expansion: the Leeds Climate Commission and experts in climate science from the University of Leeds have calculated that LBA’s proposals mean greenhouse gas emissions from the airport would double in the next 10 years and exceed the amount allowed for the whole of Leeds, as set out in the Leeds Carbon Reduction Roadmap, from 2026 onwards. See the report here.