LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn explained how Labour would tackle plans for an extension to Southampton airport on a visit to the city.

Appearing at St Mary’s Stadium, Corbyn explained concerns regarding air pollution, noise pollution, sustainability and traffic congestion.

The leader of the opposition arrived in Southampton on Thursday morning to make announcements on Labour environment policies.

He was surrounded by young climate change activists as he made his speech to a crowded room.

In attendance were a number of party supporters, as well as Southampton City Council leader Chris Hammond.

The party is targeting wins in both Southampton Test and Southampton Itchen on December 12.

Corbyn said: “Any airport expansions will have to meet tests on air pollution, noise pollution, sustainability and traffic.

“We will make sure the tests are done.”

He said that rail connectivity has improved and that his green manifesto, a Plan for Nature, is a “serious plan” but would need the backing and support from local communities.

The Labour leader explained how he looked at both flights and trains to Berlin.

“The train would cost me £200. And the flights would cost £19,” he said.

“That’s not right.”

When asked by the Daily Echo if he thought the expansion was the right thing to do, Corbyn did not express an opinion.

A controversial planning application to expand the airport’s runway by 164 metres and add 600 parking spaces to the long stay car park at the site was submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council this month.

Corbyn also announced yesterday that Labour would create ten new national parks and plant two billion trees by 2014 in the UK, should the party win the election.

He explained that the new national parks would increase the green space by 50 per cent and that “three quarters would live within 30 minutes” of the green spaces.

One of the locations for a new national park was Dorset.

The party leader promised to plant two billion trees by 2040 in national parks and forests, NHS-owned land and various towns and cities.

As well as this, Corbyn spoke about clean air, wildlife and creating a more sustainable and organic food source in the country.

As part of the two billion tree promised, Labour wants to plant organic orchards in communities to localise food production.

The Labour leader also discussed clean air throughout the city, describing pollution in the air as “toxic”.