On Monday night, Richard spoke in the next stage of the Air Traffic and Unmanned Aircraft Bill debate where he outlined his proposed two amendments to the Bill in response to concerns raised by many of his constituents during a recent consultation about arrival flightpath changes to Luton Airport which will affect large parts of North East Bedfordshire.
Speaking after the debate, Richard said:
The first amendment sought to halt the current consultation around the changing flight path routes into Luton and Stansted Airports. A change that will directly affect people in areas in and around Sandy, Potton and Biggleswade. I highlighted that local voices have not been sufficiently heard during this consultation, not least due to the fact that the entire process has taken place during the Covid pandemic.
The second amendment aimed to redress the balance between those airport operators and landowners who derive increased profits from airport expansion, whilst those surrounding areas impacted by increased noise pollution, air pollution and road congestion do not get a share.
Richard's contribution to the debate can be watched here.