Action Briefing Apr 2003 - May 2003
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

How Many Valentines Did You Get This Year, Minister?

In February, supporters of Birmingham Airport anti Noise Group (BANG) sent Valentine’s Day messages to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, telling him that the Government’s proposals for airport expansion in the region are "breaking Birmingham’s heart."

The special cards were produced by BANG and sent out to each of the group’s 400 official supporters, who were urged to forward the cards to Mr Darling at the Department for Transport. BANG is taking advantage of the extended DfT Consultation on the Future of Air Transport to remind the Government that it’s plans to massively increase the UK’s airport infrastructure are irresponsible, unpopular and would be deeply damaging if implemented.

Behind our backs, it appears that Mr Darling is carrying on his secret love affair with the aviation industry - and he’s breaking a lot of hearts all over the country. Wherever a new runway or airport has been proposed, local people are threatened by more aircraft noise, sleep disturbance, pollution and a ruined environment. Darling, dump the aviation industry and come back to the British people.

James Botham