Letter: Sites that warrant special protection
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Now that the new European Commissioner for the Environment has raised serious questions about the Government's plans to destroy a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Oxleas Wood) by building the East London River Crossing, there is an opportunity to reassess alternatives.
It is worthy of note that the Minister of Transport estimates the cost of the East London River Crossing and the extension of the Jubilee Line to Woolwich to be about the same.
Given the choice - either an urban motorway destroying ancient woodland and residential areas or extending the London Underground to an area poorly served by public transport, with one of the lowest rates of car ownership and the highest unemployment in London - I am sure people would say: 'Scrap ELRC and build the Jubilee Line'.
Yours sincerely,
JOHN AUSTIN-WALKER
MP for Woolwich (Labour)
House of Commons
London, SW1
5 August
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments