Approving new terminal plans would be “fundamentally wrong”, politicians and academics say.
Leeds MPs and academics have signed an open letter urging councillors to reject plans to expand Leeds Bradford Airport.
Last week Leeds City Council planners recommended councillors approve proposals for a new £150 million terminal to replace the airport’s “outdated” 1960s building.
On Thursday afternoon councillors will decide whether to approve the plans.
But in an open letter published today by the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport, MPs, councillors and academics claim approving the expansion would be “fundamentally wrong”.
“Expansion would mean health damaging increases in noise, traffic and air pollution for thousands of people in our local communities,” the letter read.
“Above all, it would mean a huge increase in greenhouse gas emissions exactly when we need to cut them to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis.
“Leeds City Council has declared a climate emergency and aims to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Yet from 2030 onwards, aircraft from an expanded airport would pump out more greenhouse gases than the whole of the rest of the city.”
The letter has more than 100 signatories, including Leeds Labour MPs Hilary Benn, Alex Sobel, Richard Burgon and Fabian Hamilton, as well as Bradford Labour MP Imran Hussain.
Councillors from all major political parties have signed the letter, as well as 17 scientists from the University of Leeds.