Facts, not spin, needed regarding Heathrow

We leave the EU tomorrow (Friday night).

Division still exists, perhaps more fervently.

However, climate change and pollution has no political or social bias.

I was incensed to receive through the post, sent to every resident, a bright yellow envelope, reminiscent of the infamous red ‘Boris’ NHS bus.

It carried a similar bold slogan – ‘How Heathrow can expand and tackle climate change’.

The spin and omissions from the PR bumph inside mean that now Parmjit Dhanda, the executive director who put his name to the pack can join Boris on the wall of shame.

It is insulting when it proudly boasts that electric planes are on their way and yes, short haul flights from Norway in 2040 (20 years from now) will use electric planes! Well that’s it then, climate change sorted. It goes on to ask all residents to complete a survey.

It is a farce, e.g. question one: ‘Heathrow is committed to the UK producing net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with current government targets. Do you think this is a good thing?’ So, the 100 per cent positive response will then be spun into the consultation response.

It’s totally unacceptable.

However, if Heathrow expansion was put at Gatwick (where it should be) the climate effect wouldn’t change but the effects of air pollution and noise would be.

So, Mr Dhanda let’s have some frank honesty and transparency.

Taking Cookham, where I live, there will likely be in excess of 60 per cent more flights, flying lower, creating more noise and critically more air pollution – ultra-fine particles (not yet legislated for) and the likes of PM2.5.

Not heard of them? You will. Featuring happy smiling people saying how wonderful Heathrow expansion will be and peatland renewal doesn’t cut it.

To put Heathrow expansion in perspective, the extra flights over RBWM is about the same CO2 contribution as the domestic gas contribution of the entire borough.

Go save some trees and pollution and stop creating and sending out insults to the people you fly over.

I have used airplanes, like many, but I want facts not spin to make informed decisions.

PAUL STRZELECKI Berries Road

Cookham