Celebrities behind the campaign against possible expansion of Stansted Airport have been branded hypocrites for their frequent flying habits.
Jamie Oliver and Terry Waite feature in adverts by the Freedom to Fly Coalition which could run in newspapers this summer.
Television chef Mr Oliver and former Beirut hostage Mr Waite both support the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign, which is opposed to Government proposals for up to three more runways.
Dan Hodges, director of Freedom to Fly Coalition, which promotes aviation growth, said it was hypocritical for them to advocate one course of action when they took another themselves.
Mr Hodges said: "Two of the most prominent opponents of airport expansion are Jamie Oliver and Terry Waite. What we are pointing out is we are delighted that they fly and we certainly respect their right to protest against aviation expansion but we can't quite see how they can justify opposing aviation expansion while at the same time flying so frequently themselves."
Carol Barbone, Stop Stansted Expansion Campaign director, said: "When your opponent stoops to personal vilification you can be confident that you are winning the argument.
Published Monday, June 23, 2003
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