Opponents of an airport in the Thames Estuary have taken their campaign to the House of Commons.

Groups including Friends of the North Kent Marshes and RSPB put their case against the idea and discussed where the campaign goes next at a reception yesterday.

It was hosted by MPs on opposite sides of the Thames Estuary - Mark Reckless, who represents Rochester and Strood, and Southend West MP David Amess.

George Crozer, from Friends of the North Kent Marshes, said: "The Thames Estuary has more protection on it than any of the nine national parks.

"We need to put it in the hearts and minds of people."

The government is set to consult on the idea of a Thames Estuary airport this summer after years of speculation.

Three sites have been proposed: the Isle of Grain, Cliffe and two artificial islands in the estuary - dubbed Boris Island.

Supporters of the project argue it will bring sorely needed jobs and investment to the area.

Opponents, who include councillors and MPs as well as environmental groups, claim it would cost too much money and cause untold environmental damage.
The idea has been on the agenda numerous times since the 1940s, most recently 10 years ago when the Labour government consulted on building an airport at Cliffe.