Anna Cope Speaks Out Against Gatwick Airport Expansion

The government has confirmed plans to allow Gatwick Airport to expand by converting its existing Northern standby runway into regular use, boosting flights from 280,000 a year to around 390,000 by the late 2030s.

The decision has sparked widespread opposition across Kent and Sussex, where residents already feel the strain of noise, disruption, and environmental impacts.

Among those leading local opposition is Tonbridge and Malling Green Party councillor Anna Cope, who has been clear about the Green Party’s outright opposition to the project. Anna argued that the UK economy would benefit much more from investing in public transport — such as affordable rail travel, encouraging more people to holiday at home, instead of funnelling money abroad through cheap flights.

You can listen to Anna’s comments here:

“This expansion is the wrong choice for our communities and for the climate,” Anna said. “It increases pollution, noise and traffic, while moving money out of the UK economy. Instead of pumping billions into airport growth, we should be funding better trains and transport links that help people here at home.”

Local voices of opposition

Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat described the announcement as “hugely disappointing,” pointing out that while Kent residents will suffer increased noise and environmental harm, they will see little of the economic benefit. He also raised concerns about the lack of direct rail links between Kent and Gatwick, saying that “if this expansion were a motorway on the ground, it would never be approved.”

The Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mike Martin, echoed these concerns, highlighting the lack of a proper health impact assessment and noting the frustration felt by residents already disturbed by aircraft noise.

Environmental groups such as Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) have also condemned the decision, describing it as “unlawful” not to demand Gatwick pay for the infrastructure and environmental costs associated with the expansion.

Climate and economic concerns

Critics argue that the expansion will worsen the UK’s carbon emissions at a time when the country should be reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski called the move a “disaster for the climate crisis,” accusing the government of prioritising big business over people and the planet.

Opponents also stress the economic risks. In 2024 alone, £46 billion left the UK as more tourists travelled abroad than visited. Expanding Gatwick is expected to widen that deficit, draining money away from local businesses and communities.

What comes next

Despite strong opposition from local MPs, residents, and campaigners, a government source suggested that the new runway could be operational before the next general election. Gatwick has agreed to stricter noise controls, better insulation for residents, and a target of 54% of passengers travelling to the airport by public transport — but much of the required transport investment would need to be covered by public funds.

For local campaigners like Anna Cope, the fight is far from over. “We have a duty to protect our communities and our planet,” Anna said. “This expansion is short-sighted and damaging. We need to stand up for a cleaner, greener future where investment goes into people, not pollution.”

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