Campaigners Against Airport Expansion Highlight Irony Of Leeds Winning Funds For ‘Green Finance’ Hub

The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has reacted to the news that Leeds will receive £10 million to set up a climate change finance research hub, which aims to make the city a centre for green investments.

Welcoming the announcement, GALBA contrasted the initiative with Leeds City Council’s decision last Thursday to allow the airport to expand. Climate scientists say this will result in LBA doubling its greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years.

Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “It’s a good job the climate finance research hub is being set up by the University, not the Council! Dozens of University climate experts told the Council that allowing LBA to expand would be a disaster for our climate. But nine councillors ignored their advice.”

He continued: “Our campaign is very far from finished. GALBA is going to challenge this reckless decision all the way. We’ve launched a fundraising appeal to pay for legal advice and other experts. In just two days, we’ve raised over £18,000 towards our target of £30,000. The people of West Yorkshire are appalled by the decision and they’re flocking to our website to show their support.”

Chris added: “Leeds City Council likes to say ‘Leeds leads by example’. What kind of example have they given on the climate emergency? The people will have to take responsibility now and get the airport decision overturned.”

“The timing of this announcement is ironic to say the least and highlights the sheer stupidity of the Council’s decision. Making the city a centre for green investment will prove much harder now that the Council has earned itself the reputation of climate change deniers. It highlights that the airport expansion decision will be bad news for the economic prospects of the city.”