Dear Tony Blair,

I am aware of the priority you place on expanding our air traffic capacity over the coming years in order to maintain UK competitiveness and economic growth. I am concerned, however, that, despite the best efforts of ministers, publicity given so far to this issue is not winning the hearts and minds of the general public in the face of massive publicity regarding global warming. Given the planned review of the 2003 white paper on aviation, I am therefore establishing a group in order to campaign on this issue as a counterbalance to the many unhelpful but nevertheless influential campaigns that are arguing for a curtailment of airport expansion.

I attach a draft summary of the key points in support of the case for more air traffic. Whilst I believe there are some very strong arguments (including, I think, some which your ministers have failed to identify), I nevertheless find myself doubting whether the case is as convincing as it should be. Knowing your unwavering commitment to the case for more air traffic, I wondered if your ‘experts’ would mind reviewing my document and coming back to me with their suggestions as to how the argument could be made more plausible in order to ensure we win over all but the die-hard greens. Please do feel free incidentally to use any of my arguments in support of the government’s position. As mentioned, I believe you will find some of them quite original.

I would be grateful for a swift response regarding the above as I am keen to launch my campaign as soon as possible. Time is of the essence here as there is a very real danger that the general public will jump on the green bandwagon of seeking to reduce carbon emissions and hence meeting our Kyoto Protocol targets by the apparently easy - but obviously ludicrous - solution of applying restrictions to air traffic growth.

I also wondered whether any of your ministers or government representatives would be interested in attending the press launch for my campaign or featuring in the literature. An endorsement from yourself would undoubtedly be extremely effective in influencing public opinion on this issue. Exact dates for the launch have not yet been decided and I am able to be very flexible on this front in order to meet your needs.

Many thanks in anticipation.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Fran Crowe

Attachment: We need more planes - KEY POINTS