NEARLY 200 climate activists protested outside the Department for Transport in Westminster on Saturday against plans to expand London City airport.

Air pollution and climate campaigners chanted “they fly, we choke” as they called on the government to reject the proposals.

Officials are expected to make a decision this summer.

The Fossil Free London activists had to move the protest from the airport site in east London following an injunction threatening them with up to two years in prison for breaching a ban on any environmental campaign group protesting on the airport’s grounds. 

The local Newham Council unanimously rejected the airport’s expansion bid in July 2023. The government is to make a final decision after it went to appeal. 

In contrast to the airport’s high-earning business travellers, Newham is the third most deprived local authority in London: 37 per cent of residents and half of children live below the poverty line.

Spokeswoman for Fossil Free London Joanna Warrington said: “As businessmen fly off over one of London’s poorest boroughs, we’re left choking on their excess fumes that fuel climate collapse. 

“London City airport is pressing ahead with irresponsible expansion plans despite the opposition of locals, who are already sick of all the noise and air pollution over their homes.

“And worse still, after appealing a unanimous decision by the local council to stop an increase in flights, they’ve gagged local dissent through expensive and threatening anti-protest injunctions.

“Our government needs to listen to Londoners, reject these plans and act for our health and futures.”

Toni Cottee, from South West Essex Fight the Flights, said: “Local people can’t have a conversation in their own front gardens when the planes are going over.”

The Department for Transport said: “We are committed to securing the long-term future of the UK’s aviation sector.

“However, the Government assesses any airport expansion applications against our obligations on climate change, air quality, noise, and our commitment to delivering nationwide economic benefits.”

A London City Airport spokesman said its proposals include no increase in the number of annual flights and “that only cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft will be allowed to fly in any extended periods.”