We are dismayed that the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, gave the go-ahead to a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow airport recently.

This is very obviously unwise short termism winning over the needs of the environment, our communities and our lives. The threat from climate change is so immediate and serious that giving the go-ahead to expand Heathrow is dangerous and shows the government's lack of understanding and responsibility.

Not only is this acting in contempt of our threatened planet, but this is not in the long-term interest of the British economy. Many commentators now set the estimate of the peak in oil production considerably ahead of 2030 and as we approach this peak the cost of liquid fuels is expected to soar, with profound consequences for us all, not least the airline industry.

Hoon and Brown’s vision for Heathrow will be cause climate harm and become an expensive white elephant – we will use all our might to stop it and the hypocrisy it represents. We at Winchester Green Party will be fighting this decision with everything we have.