Proposed by Councillor Wolff, seconded by Councillor Simmons

Green member motion

Council notes the well-attended meeting on climate change held on 12th January 2018 at the Wesley Memorial Church organised by local campaigning groups and addressed by, amongst others, Oxford’s two MPs.

Council notes the concern expressed by one of the expert speakers, and in public questions, over the planned Oxford-Cambridge Expressway road, as well as the proposed expansion of the Oxford Airport, both incompatible with achieving climate change goals.

Since the January meeting opposition to the Expressway road has, in particular, grown significantly.

With respect to the airport, the capacity increases that the proposed lengthened runway will deliver, including the encouraging of disproportionately damaging short trips by air, will only lead to a net increase in transport emissions.

This Council has stated its commitment to climate change reduction on several occasions and recognises that all levels of Government must play their part in tackling climate change.

This Council therefore wishes to state its opposition to the Oxford Cambridge Expressway road plans and the expansion of Oxford airport and asks the Leader of the Council to write to the relevant ministers and Oxford’s MPs informing them of these views.

The Lord Mayor proposed and Council agreed to take this as the first motion and debate this before the break and public speaking.

Councillor Wolff, seconded by Councillor Simmons, proposed the submitted motion as set out in the agenda and briefing note.

Councillor Brown, seconded by Councillor Hollingsworth proposed the submitted amendment as set out in the briefing note.

After debate and on being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried.

After debate and on being put to the vote, the amended motion was agreed.

Council resolved to adopt the following motion, as amended:

Council notes the well-attended meeting on climate change held on 12th January 2018 at the Wesley Memorial Church organised by local campaigning groups and addressed by, amongst others, Oxford’s two MPs.

Council notes the concern expressed by one of the expert speakers, and in public questions, over the planned Oxford-Cambridge Expressway road, as well as the proposed expansion of the Oxford Airport, both incompatible with achieving climate change goals.

Since the January meeting opposition to the Expressway road has, in particular, grown significantly.

With respect to the airport, the capacity increases that the proposed lengthened runway will deliver, including the encouraging of disproportionately damaging short trips by air, will only lead to a net increase in transport emissions.

This Council has stated its commitment to climate change reduction on several occasions and recognises that all levels of Government must play their part in tackling climate change.

This Council therefore wishes to restate its support of integrated public transport systems, and prioritisation of clean travel such as pedestrian, cycling and clean public transport and asks the Secretary of State for Transport to consider these principles when making their decision on their proposals for an Oxford-Cambridge Expressway. The Council’s commitment to improved Air Quality is well known. Council also notes the deficiencies in the democratic process of making this decision. We request that the Leader of the Council writes to the relevant ministers and Oxford’s MPs informing them of these views.