LYDD AIRPORT EXPANSION

That this House is dismayed by the Government's decision to approve an extension to Lydd Airport in Kent; notes that the expansion would destroy the nature and tranquillity of the Kent coast, thereby harming tourism in the surrounding area and the quality of life of many residents; further notes the view of the Government's own advisers at Natural England that expansion would be likely to result in very substantial and unmitigated harm to local habitats and wildlife, which are recognised and designated nationally and internationally for their importance and value; further notes the proximity of Lydd to the nuclear reactors at Dungeness and the serious concerns over public health and safety this raises; is concerned that this decision has not taken account of recommendations on changes to infrastructure planning from the Weightman review of nuclear safety after Fukushima; further notes that aviation expansion at Lydd or elsewhere makes it significantly more difficult to meet carbon budgets; believes that the overwhelming beneficiary of the expansion will be the multi-millionaire businessman who owns the airport at the expense of local communities, precious habitats, treasured landscapes, public safety and the UK's efforts to tackle climate change; further believes that Ministers should cherish the UK's most important wildlife sites and protect them for future generations rather than allow them to be destroyed for the pursuit of short term profit; and calls on the Government to reverse this harmful and unjustifiable decision.