On Monday 25th February NoTRAG (No Third Runway Action Group) and HACAN organised a massive rally at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster.

The main Hall was so packed that additional halls had to be opened and there were still people queuing outside an hour after the rally started.

The meeting heard from speakers from all parties but included Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, Lib Dem Mayoral candidate Brian Paddick as well as Lib Dem Euro MEP for London Sarah Ludford, Deputy Leader and Twickenham MP Vince Cable and Richmond MP Susan Kramer.

Cllr Mike Cox said "This rally was an incredibly impressive demonstration of the feeling of people against these proposals. The turnout of senior Liberal Democrat MPs demonstrates the commitment we have to this cause.

"I considered the comment from Lib Dem Mayoral candidate and former Deputy Police Commissioner Brian Paddick that 'if the consultation had been presented in court its authors would be up on charges of perjury' was spot on! The document is a sham.

"The manner in which these proposals are being bulldozed through smacks of a regime which treats residents with contempt and tears to shreds any commitment they have to tackle Climate Change.

"It was quite clear from the rally that BAA and the government have a battle on their hands and its a battle that the residents and people who care about the environment MUST win and WILL win."