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ENVIRONMENT campaigners in Yorkshire celebrated their win today after the government blocked the expansion of Leeds-Bradford international airport.
A public inquiry will now be held into proposals to increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million.
Opponents say the expansion would negate cuts in carbon emissions achieved for the whole of the city of Leeds.
The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (Galba) had been campaigning against the expansion since planning permission was granted by Leeds City Council.
Secretary of State for Communities Michael Gove announced the public inquiry today.
Galba chairman Chris Foren said the inquiry would examine whether the expansion was consistent with government policies on climate change.
“Airport expansion is obviously inconsistent with tackling the climate crisis,” he said.
“Scientists have repeatedly said that we must cut all our greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 to prevent a climate catastrophe. If [the airport] expands, its emissions would double.”