[H1]Read the latest Nub News column from Hitchin MP Bim Afolami.[H1]

We feature our parliamentarian's exclusive column every month and for his February column he discusses the fight against Luton Airport expansion

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Luton Rising, the owner of London Luton Airport, have begun a statutory consultation on their plans for expansion of the airport from 18 million to 32 million passengers per annum in advance of a Development Consent Order request being put in later this year. These plans to expand the airport would have a hugely detrimental impact on our local communities. They would put increased strain on our local transport networks, including our train services and our rural roads, and increase the air and noise pollution that blights our rural communities in Hitchin & Harpenden. Alongside the fantastic efforts by local campaign groups I am fighting against these expansion plans and I need local residents' help to demonstrate the strength of local feeling on this issue. I have launched a petition against these proposals and I would be grateful if residents who support this campaign could sign my petition against expansion, which will be presented by me to the Secretary of State to show how strongly local people feel that the Development Consent Order to expand Luton Airport to 32 million passengers should not be granted. Residents should also fill in Luton Rising's consultation, which is open until April 4 to make sure that they also know the strength of feeling from local residents on this issue. Residents can sign my petition at www.bimafolami.co.uk/stop-luton-expansion and fill in Luton Rising's consultation at www.lutonrising.org.uk. Other news - Bim's birthday appointment I am very happy to have been appointed as the new Conservative Party Vice Chair for Youth on Friday [which coincided with Bim's 36th birthday Happy Birthday Bim, ed It is a relief to still be eligible to represent young members! This is an exciting role working with young councillors and activists, making sure young members are heard, and getting young people more involved in politics. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into it.