Press Release - 14 September 2004

Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) has notched up another victory against BAA following the news today that its efforts have succeeded in forcing the company to end the outrageous practice of giving free car parking to MPs, peers and MEPs.

SSE, which has led the campaign against the parking perks, and secured the support of many of BAA's major shareholders, says the decision helps demonstrate that BAA is not invincible on this or any other issue.

The provision of free parking to MPs is just one example of BAA's intensive efforts to safeguard its airports monopoly and secure support for its airport expansion plans. Millions of pounds have been pumped into lobbying and political donations over the last decade, by BAA's own admission, all designed to secure its long term expansionist goals including the creation of the world's largest airport at Stansted.

Said Brian Ross, SSE's Economics Advisor: "BAA's climb down was always going to be inevitable given the pressure we brought to bear in the City and in the media on its free parking scheme for politicians. This U-turn stands in stark contrast to the fierce defence of the scheme which BAA mounted at its AGM just six weeks ago. It is now quite amusing to read what BAA's spin doctors said to the press at that time. Frankly, BAA must now be feeling slightly foolish."

"However," he added, "we won't be popping champagne corks just yet since much work remains to be done within our broader campaign to force BAA's abominable airport expansion plans to meet the same fate as the shameful parking perks."

ENDS

Further information/comment
Brian Ross, SSE Economics Advisor, 01279 814961 or M 07850 937143 or [email protected]
Carol Barbone, SSE Campaign Director, 0777 552 3091 or [email protected]