29/11/2011 South East Today

Welcome to South East Today, I'm Rob Smith, and I'm Polly Evans.

Tonight's top stories: Plans for a Thames Airport estuary

WILL be seriously considered as the Government changes its thinking on

"Boris Island". We will explore all the options for maintaining the

UK's aviation hub status. Campaigners say they have fought

off plans for a new South East airport before, and they're

prepared to fight again. We are flabbergasted that this location

has even been taken seriously. They cite surrounded by wild life has to

be the least sensible area for any building. We will have reaction

from the Isle of Grain, the Medway Towns and Westminster.

Also in tonight's programme: A �400 million plan for a second ferry

terminal at Dover gets the green light from the Government.

The strike starts at midnight - thousands of the South East's

public sector workers are expected to take industrial action in a

battle over pensions. And the dress Amy Winehouse wore

for her Back To Black album sells for over �43,000 at a charity

Good evening. Proposals to build a huge new hub airport in the Thames

Estuary will be seriously considered by the Government, the

Chancellor revealed today. The announcement that all options will

be explored by ministers, in order to maintain the South East's status

as an international aviation hub, is a marked shift in thinking.

George Osborne told the Commons this afternoon that nothing would

be ruled out, except for a third runway at Heathrow. Previously,

ministers had maintained they had no plans for a Thames Estuary

airport. We will explore all the options for

maintain the Duke the's aviation hub status. -- the UK's. It was the

first public acknowledgement that the government would look at plans

for a club airport in the South East. -- hub airport. There are two

plans in the public domain: Boris Island, and Lord Foster's plans for

a hub airport on the Isle of Grain. There is an awful lot of interest,

largely because of the potential to attract investment, encourage

growth, give us the opportunity to expand as the economy, and give us

the tools we need as a nation. want our business community to be

able to communicate with those growth economies in China and Latin

America. We need to think more imaginatively. Imagination is not

what the residents in Cliffe want. They have fought a battle to reject

a similar plans. But now the County Council appeared to support the

idea. You seem to be saying a hub airport is what we need? I still

retained the views of a year or two when Boris announced the estuary

airport. I think he is barking mad! The reason they need to expand in

the South East of England,... A second runway in Gatwick but --

would be an option, or you could look at the Isle of Grain

proposition which I don't support because there is a better solution

on the other side of the estuary. whether it is Essex, Kent or the

River Thames, the politicians appear to have shifted their

position, and are willing to consider a new airport in the South

East. But that is a long way to becoming a reality.

The arguments over plans for a new South East airport have been raging

for many years. In 2003, the Government ruled out building a new

airport at Cliffe in North Kent, choosing to concentrate instead on

choosing to concentrate instead on growth at Stansted and Heathrow.

Five years later, the Mayor of London re-invented the idea with

his so-called "Boris Island" plan, his so-called "Boris Island" plan,

which he was reported to have described as the "biggest and

described as the "biggest and bravest project" that he could do.

Opponents dubbed it "pie in the sky", and over the past few years,

including when he spoke to me on this programme, David Cameron

this programme, David Cameron repeatedly dismissed the idea.

Boris is a great Mayor of London. But building airports is not his

responsibility! That is not our policy or approach. We say no to a

third runway. The Department of Transport has no plans for a new

airport. airport.

So what are the other options? The coalition government ruled out a

third runway at Heathrow as soon as they came into power, a point

reiterated by the Chancellor today. There are expansion plans at

Gatwick to cater for an extra 7 million passengers a year, but

legal restrictions currently prevent a second runway. And

airline bosses have criticised proposals for a high-speed train

link between Heathrow and Gatwick, the so-called "Heathwick" plan, as

"inefficient" and "not the answer" to our aviation challenges. Mark

Norman is live on the Isle of Grain for us now. Mark, how likely is it

that where you're standing now will that where you're standing now will

one day be part of a �40 billion airport? It remains to be seen, but

the government believe that large infrastructure projects are the way

forward to galvanise the economy. But where will the money come from?

It wouldn't be the tax payer. Lord Foster, who wants to build his

airport care, says the money is available here from private sources.

Them airline boss said the money is not there, however. -- and airline

boss. It remains to be seen what exactly what happened, but I'm not

convinced whether it will happen here.

The Government is inviting people to put forward their views on the

future of aviation policy, and the next step is publication of draft

proposals that will go out for consultation in spring next year.

If they were to create a new airport, it would bring tens of

thousands of new jobs. James fared a new airport would

lead to their home been concreted over. -- freer. -- James fears.

don't want to move, and we want to keep our house! That is the bottom

line. An airport would change his area ever. Campaigners who fought

off an airport at Cliffe say it would raise the same environmental

concerns. We are flabbergasted that this location has even been taken

seriously. This site surrounded by a wildlife has got to be the least

sensible area for any major infrastructure. But in Chatham,

people out of work say anything that offers hope must be considered.

I had been looking for a job for, well, since 20th September 10, so

any chance full employment must be good for the area. -- sense SEP-

2010. -- since 20th September 10. - - since September, 2010. I came

here because it is quiet. I think it is rubbish, personally. I doubt

if they will ever put on a board table stop we have got up our game.

-- I doubt if they will ever put an airport tipple stop we will have a

study of our own. The solution is to make better use of existing

airports, not build a new one. Simon Jones with that report, and

he's live in Chatham. Simon, do Medway Council now accept that that

they have got a real fight on their hands to stop a new airport there?

Until now, man -- Medway council has described the idea as pie-in-

the-sky. But I think they now accept they have to make a

compelling case against it. One argument is going to be the effect

on a wildlife and birds, but then a document released by the government,

looking at infrastructure projects, is says considering this issue

should not be allowed to add cost and delay to developments.

Our political editor, Louise Stewart, is live in Westminster.

Louise, this looks like a really significant change in position for

the government from where they were when they came to power 18 months

ago. It is not a change in policy, but seems to be a change in

thinking and language. I am joined by the MP, Michael, and by a Labour

MP. Michael, is there is a significant change for the

government? No, it is not a decision. The government has got an

overall review going on airport capacity. I think all that has

happened is they will say any proposals put forward as a new

airport in the Thames Estuary, they will have a look at them. But there

is no decision yet. I would be surprised if this goes further.

David Cameron said there are no plans for a hub airport in the

South East, and the Chancellor seemed to change that. Is it

gaining momentum? We have ruled out any expansion of Heathrow. You

can't expand at Gatwick because of the terms of the least of that

airport. But overall, you have got a look at the whole region, the

horror of the South East, and be sure you have enough capacity as a

these airports fill up. -- whole of the South East. So how do do that?

You can look at existing airports, like Stansted, but we will look at

new proposals examined. But I don't think this is in any advanced stage.

What would you say, as a Labour MP? This is a big infrastructure

project. It is unlikely to happen. Like a lot of this Budget, there is

a lot of big talk, but it is not delivering. Last year, the

government made a mistake to cut public spending. We found out today

that unemployment has gone up, there is no group, but the

Government is borrowing far more than it said it would a year ago.

They are project announced today. What is clear to ours, we think the

government should have had a better approach to deficit reduction. --

clear to us. We want to see stop the war happen. We were going to

rebuild schools. The building for schools programme has been scrapped.

Thank you very much indeed. We want to know what you think. Is

the Government right to give serious consideration to a Thames

Estuary airport? Or are ministers wrong to ignore concerted

opposition from people who live there, local councillors and

environmentalists? Email your views, environmentalists? Email your views,

or join the debate on our Facebook site, and we'll hear your comments

site, and we'll hear your comments later in the programme.

Away from the controversial issue of a new Thames Estuary airport,

two major infrastructure projects for the South East have been

announced today. George Osborne said that work will start on a new

Thames crossing which could link Kent and Essex at Dartford, or

Swanscombe or Gravesend. And the Government has also approved a �400

million pscheme to build a second ferry terminal at Dover, which

could double the port's capacity. Peter Whittlesea joins us live in

Dover. Peter, what stage are the plans at now? The next stage is the

designs of what they will build. Dover has spent �2 million to get

to the stage. They say, by giving the go-ahead for a second terminal,

it has saved guarded Dover's future That is why Dover's four-berth

terminal was approved. What it means is that we have now got some

certainty over how we might develop support in the long run. It is

building infrastructure in the UK. It takes a long time. Having

received a planning permission now it gives us that certainty. We know

where we will be going forward and we can plan accordingly. Critics

say these plans will be on hold for decades because a second term will

is not needed. This has been a planning application that has been

in the mill for years. Finally it has come out and we have a decision.

I think it is a welcome thing up but there is still a long way to go.

So the likelihood of it happening any time since it -- any time soon

is nil. Most studies predict that the present Tamil one is likely to

be adequate but least until the end of 2020.

Others hope that the Government's plan will become a reality soon --

as soon as possible to cut congestion. But many believe this

project will not be straightforward. If the project goes into my

constituency, goes into the World Heritage Sites, it goes straight

past her in areas and will absolutely blight the property

values of people who have worked hard all their lives. It also cuts

straight through my running writ, so I am definitely against this one.

-- looked. The big question is where is the money coming from.

Insiders have told May that Dover Harbour us are in but her flimflam.

That they have no hope of raising of the money because traffic across

the Channel is down. Three men have been arrested in

Rochester following the seizure of cocaine with an estimated street

value of �50 million. 150 kilos of the placid at -- class A drug was

found by the Met Police. The family of a man from Kent who

has been missing for more than a week say they are deeply worried.

He left home last Sunday without keys or money. He has not been seen

since. A one of the biggest national

strikes in national memory is due to get underway in a few hours'

time. Ports and airports, schools and hospitals will be affected as

thousands of people take industrial action. The marches and piccolos

will be visible in our cities. -- picket lines.

What is expected to happen tomorrow?

It depends on your point of view. It could be seen as a massive

celebration of people power, at 10,000 people expected here. Or you

could see it as a massive case of disruption, at that is certainly

the Government's position. They say this is a cynical strike, taking

place whilst negotiations are ongoing. In a moment who will look

at what this -- how this will affect you, but first we were hear

from three people taking part. will mean paying any more, at the

equivalent of a day's pay each month, I will have to work longer,

so instead of retiring at 60 I will have to retire at 67 and it will

also mean that at the end of it I get over �1,000 less a year. For me,

as a young teacher, at the end of a school week I am exhausted. It is a

tiring and demanding job. Imagine doing those things at the age of 68

is very difficult to imagine. We also want to send the message that

we are not just doing this for an own benefit, we are thinking about

the education in the long term, the future of our children. It is going

to work out another �500 a year for me to pay out. For me and my family,

we are already living on not a lot of money. That extra 500 will mean

a lot to me. It will mean less treats like taking the children

away for a day. We have to stand up and be counted because at the end

of the day it is your pension and to you have to make them see that

they cannot do this to us. So three public sector workers there

explaining why they believe in this strike. What will the destruction

amount to? Schools, nearly all, all will be nearly closed or partially

closed. Hospitals will be largely open, doctors will be working, most

midwives and nurses will be working. Only those in unions striking. Out-

patient clinics may be affected. Roads may be affected and Gatwick

airport at say that they think it - - say that it may not be business

as usual so check websites. The best way to keep up-to-date on

the latest impact of the strikes is to log on it to the website below.

It is approaching it 6:50pm. Our top story tonight is that plans for

a Thames estuary Airport will now be seriously considered.

Campaigners in Kent say they have fought off plans for at an airport

before and they are prepared to fight again.

Also in tonight's programme: Amy Winehouse and the �43,000 dress.

How the star's legacy will help others.

And it has been an increasingly wet and windy day today, but will the

unsettled weather be lasting? Join me later to find out.

She was the first British female artist to win five Grammy awards,

but Amy Winehouse's career was tragically cut short when she died

earlier this year after a long public battle with addiction.

Her second album Back to Black is the UK's best set -- best-selling

album of the 21st century. If to do the dress she wore on the cover

sold for �43,000. Her father Mitch Winehouse says the charity -- says

the money will go to the charity set up in his Dr's name.

This is the �43,000 dress. # We always said goodbye in words.

is the last album Amy Winehouse lived to see. She died tragically

young, too young. But Amy Winehouse's voice resonates with an

entire generation and money raised with the dress sale will go to her

new foundation. It is an absolute tragedy that we are here but we are

trying to make the best of it and for a new's dress to be sold along

with that of Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn,

it shows how much people loved Amy. # The tried to make me go to the

have... Such was the controversy surrounding the Senate that in 2006

hair stylist -- that when her stylist asked to lend it dresses

for her album, designers backed off. But a young up and coming designer

decided to go for it and this is the result. Back to Black went

astronomical, another album up of previously unreleased material

comes out on Monday. Amy's sound was so popular that she is credited

with the injecting popularity into female musicians. -- reinject in.

She had a unique voice and her own style. I do not think it was

necessarily the excepted elegant look, but she was as noted for that

as her music almost. The dress was bought by a museum. Now her style

can be preserved just as her voice will be.

Onto football, and Charlton increased their lead at the top of

League One to seven points with a 2-0 win over rivals Huddersfield.

The Addicks went in front midway through the first half thanks to

Yann Kermogant and added a second before half time after good work

from Bradley Wright Phillips set up Hogan Ephraim, up to the delight of

Charlton's fans. We have travelled all the way from Broadstairs. And

it is a win! It is fantastic. terrific goals. A great day.

Absolutely brilliant. Brighton and Hove Albion could move

back into the Championship promotion play off positions with

victory at Derby tonight. The Albion will be hoping to build on

Saturday's win over Coventry, although defender Marcus Painter

has joined the long list of players currently missing through injury.

You had to the trickier names It has been a blustery and wet day

today. The wind will die down at but showers will linger. It will

still feel breezy. It will be cooler in the afternoon. D-Day was

mostly dry in the morning and then up cloud thickened. -- today. All

of us of some rain at some point today. Al though it was mostly dry,

though south-westerly -- south- westerly winds picked up to gale-

force. There have -- it has been milder air so temperatures above

average for the time of year. That rain slowly clears through this

evening. We will see further showers spreading eastwards along

the south coast. Inland, temperatures drop to around five

degrees. We are still holding on to the south-westerly winds. That is

how we start the day tomorrow. Showers lingered throughout the

morning and a little bit brighter in the afternoon. We have more

unsettled weather are waiting in the wins -- in the wings. Tomorrow

afternoon will be slightly brighter. Temperatures will range between 11

and 12 degrees. Try for a time but rain spreads East word. It will be

windy as well. -- Easter Road. Thursday will be wet and windy.

Temperatures not getting much above 11 or 12 degrees. Friday will be

Let us get a recap of tonight's top story. Proposals to build a huge

new airport will be seriously considered by the Government. The

announcement that all options will be explored by ministers in order

to ex -- in order to preserve the South East's status as an aviation

hub. Our Business Correspondent is live

in Kent. A new airport there is one plan but there are other options,

are there not? Yes. A second runway at are at --

at Gatwick or expansion at Stansted, but to the business community say

that would not be enough. There are huge business communities abroad

that are not served by direct flights to the UK but are served by

direct flights to Europe, that is wide many say that a new airport is

the only option. The debate will go on, and the story will not go away.

We have been asking what you think about this. We have had lots of

strong opinions. Thames says no to another airport, the beautiful

reverse there are a delight. -- rivers. This one here says that

she thinks the airport is a good idea. Where do the needs for the

nation go, up birds or families? It costs a lot of money to keep people

on welfare benefits and birds will migrate to other places.

Dan from Dartford says he cannot believe the ridiculous notion of

building a new airport, of why not use Manchester International?

Increase the high-speed rail link to that location.