Lib Dem Voice polled our members-only forum recently to discover what Lib Dem members think of various political issues, the Coalition, and the performance of key party figures. Some 550 party members have responded, and we’re publishing the full results.

Big thumbs-up to party’s continuing policy to oppose third Heathrow runway…

LDV asked: Do you support or oppose building a third runway at Heathrow airport?

12% – Support
79% – Oppose
9% – Don’t know

The Tories may be preparing to U-turn on a third runway in readiness for their 2015 general election manifesto, but Lib Dems remain resolutely opposed to a further increase in capacity at the Heathrow, with four-fifths of members opposed.

Three-quarters of Lib Dems back increase in aviation capacity

LDV asked: But support for overall increase in aviation capacity, preferably outside London and the South-east: Which of the following statements best reflects your view on aviation capacity:

17% – I oppose any increase in aviation capacity in the UK
41% – I support some increase in aviation capacity as long as it is outside of London and the South-east
36% – I support some increase in aviation capacity including inside London and the South-east
5% – Don’t know / No opinion

Opposition to the third Heathrow runway may be overwhelming but it’s a more complex picture when Lib Dem members are asked about aviation capacity more generally. Just 17% are opposed to any increase anywhere; 77% support some increase in capacity — it all depends where. A narrow plurality, 41%, think any increase in capacity must be located outside London and the South-East, with a focus instead on regional hub airports such as Birmingham. However, over one-third (36%) support increases also within London and the South-East — this figure will include the small minority who back the third Heathrow runway, but also includes those prepared to consider expansion at Gatwick, Stanstead or even ‘Boris Island’.

* Stephen was Editor (and Co-Editor) of Liberal Democrat Voice from 2007 to 2015, and writes at The Collected Stephen Tall.