Comment: Heathrow doubt

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The decision by Co-operative Travel to oppose a third runway at Heathrow underlines the central weakness of the Government's position on expansion. The travel agent is worried about the effect on the UK's carbon dioxide emissions: it points out that there is a fundamental contradiction between the increased emissions caused by more flights and more passengers travelling to and from the airport, and the Government's stated aim of reducing carbon emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050. The Co-op argues instead for "moderate growth" in flights accompanied by reductions in aviation-industry emissions through technological progress.

Earlier this week, a report from the Stockholm Environment Institute was strongly critical of expansion. It pointed out that the Government's consultation exercise based the case on assumptions of oil costing $53 a barrel and increasing consumer demand - both of which look unrealistic against current oil prices and the worsening economic outlook. Yet last week the Prime Minister said that "it is right to go ahead with airport expansion", despite the fact that the Government has still not published its official reaction to the consultation. He should reserve judgment: it is becoming increasingly clear that the aviation industry has still not made its economic or environmental case.