One week after Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) withdrew its controversial expansion plans, the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has called on the airport’s owners, AMP Capital, to invest £125 million in West Yorkshire home insulation businesses to cut fuel bills and reduce emissions. Press reports suggest that the plan to extend the airport’s existing terminal will cost AMP £25 million, whereas they would have spent £150 million building a new terminal.
Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “People in Leeds and Bradford need two things right now: a way to cut their fuel bills and climate-friendly jobs. Home insulation is the quickest and most effective way to save energy and cut costs, at the same time as reducing emissions. But there aren’t enough home insulation firms around to do all the work that’s needed.”
“AMP clearly has the money available and has said it’s interested in sustainability and creating employment in our region. So we’re calling on them to partner up with West Yorkshire councils to invest in home insulation businesses and increase the size of this vital industry. Doing that would create jobs, cut bills and reduce emissions – it’s a win, win, win.”
He added: “AMP is a massive multinational, with billions to invest. Our local councils have already super-insulated some homes but if they get together with AMP, so much more could be done – especially in our poorer communities. GALBA is going to post AMP a copy of our report, A Green New Deal for Leeds City Region, which shows the enormous potential for good quality jobs that would also tackle the climate crisis with the right investment.”
GALBA has also responded to claims made by Vincent Hodder, LBA’s CEO, that the airport will continue to expand despite having pulled its planning application. Chris Foren explained: “Mr Hodder knows very well that there is a legal agreement between LBA and Leeds City Council which places a limit of five million passengers per year and applies to the previous planning permission. And his claim that LBA has permission for unlimited night flights is also incorrect as it disregards restrictions imposed by National Air Traffic Services. GALBA is keeping a close eye on what LBA does next.”
