The leader of the Conservatives at North Hertfordshire Council, Cllr Ralph Muncer, has called on Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern to clarify his position on the proposed expansion of Luton airport.

In May, the then Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, announced a new deadline of October 4, 2024, for a decision to be made whether to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the construction of a new passenger terminal and aircraft stands at London Luton Airport.

This improvement would allow passenger capacity to increase dramatically from 18 million per year to 32 million.

Cllr Muncer, who represents Codicote and Kimpton, said: “The proposed expansion of Luton Airport is an issue of great concern to thousands of residents across Hitchin, Kimpton and wider North Hertfordshire. 

Councillor Ralph MuncerCouncillor Ralph Muncer (Image: Courtesy of Ralph Muncer)

“It’s therefore incredibly disappointing that during the general election campaign, our new MP failed to mention this important issue.”

In his letter to Mr Strathern, Cllr Muncer highlighted the work of previous MP, Bim Afolami, in securing “multiple questions and debates in the House of Commons to advocate against expansion” and urged Hitchin’s new MP “to secure parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed expansion”.

MP Strathern has responded to the pressure, pledging that he will always put his country and area “first”, and the party “second”.

Hitchin MP Alistair StrathernHitchin MP Alistair Strathern (Image: Georgia Barrow, Newsquest)

He told the Comet: “I echo the concerns that North Herts Council and the Labour group have already raised on the impact that expanding Luton Airport could have on our local environment, including noise, traffic and air pollution. 

“I am keen to hear the views and experiences of as many people affected as possible and will continue to engage with residents on this.”

The MP wishes to “champion” his constituency and “speak up” for all those affected by the airport expansion.

He said: “I look forward to working with local representatives across the constituency on a cross-party basis, on this and other important issues, to deliver for all residents in Hitchin, and our surrounding towns and villages.”