Over 3,000 people attended last night's hugely successful Stop Heathrow Expansion rally. More than 15 speakers voiced strong opposition to the plans which would see a third runway built north of Heathrow by 2020 and a sixth terminal.

The effects of expanding Heathrow would include a near-doubling of flights and huge increases in CO2 emissions, noise and air pollution, as well as the bulldozing of entire communities.

Speaking at the meeting Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg asked: "Where is the box that simply says no, no, no?" He went on to say, "Illness, stress, congestion, climate change - how can the Government claim that these add up to a good idea?"

The rally was organised by Heathrow residents' group HACAN ClearSkies and NoTRAG (No Third Runway Action Group) and supported by 14 councils in the Heathrow area.

Addressing the rally, London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "There is no case whatsoever for expansion of Heathrow Airport." He added: "What we want to see is no further increase in air travel at all, quite frankly."

Earlier on the day of the rally Greenpeace activists climbed on top of a short-haul flight parked at Heathrow Terminal One and unfurled a banner that read 'CLIMATE EMERGENCY – NO 3rd RUNWAY'.

Campaign for Better Transport responded to the consultation on the expansion of Heathrow by stressing the need for investment in alternatives to aviation. Aviation taxes must increase so that air travellers pay their fair share of tax while rail fares must be decreased to ensure that public transport is a realistic option for travellers.