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100 politicians join fight over Heathrow runway
Jason Beattie, Chief Political Correspondent18.02.08
Campaigners from across the political spectrum today joined forces to condemn plans to expand Heathrow.
The barrage of protests were led by Ken Livingstone who said the case for a third runway and sixth terminal "failed on every test".
In a separate move, a 100-strong coalition of MPs, MEPs and councillors from across London have put their names to a petition opposing the proposed expansion.
The cross-party group said the plans posed a "significant" threat to the environment and would ruin the "quality of life of countless Londoners".
Those backing the campaign include Labour MPs John McDonnell and Alan Keen, the Conservative MPs John Randall, Nick Hurd and Stephen Hammond and six of London's nine MEPs.
The petition - organised by Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park - reads: "The Government's plans to expand Heathrow pose a significant threat to the environment and to the quality of life of countless Londoners. We, therefore, call upon the Government to withdraw its proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal."
Speaking in Sipson village in Hillingdon, which is threatened by the bulldozers if plans for a third runway are approved, Mr Livingstone said: "On every test - environment, economic and quality of life - the argument for expanding Heathrow has not been made and I don't believe it ever can.
He was speaking after a report by the London Assembly's environment committee said the economic benefits of expansion were "exaggerated".
The committee, chaired Darren Johnson, also concluded the plans "breach EU air quality standards" and projections for noise impact levels are "false".
"It is our view that the noise and air quality conditions placed on a third runway and sixth terminal are inadequate and do not take into account the full impact the proposed expansion will have on Londoners.
"Expansion at Heathrow should not be considered while various local and international conditions continue to be overlooked or completely underestimated," said Mr Johnson.
The Government announced in December it would like to see a near doubling of the number of flights at Heathrow to more than 700,000 a year as part of the expansion plans.
In a final push to stop the scheme, campaigners have taken out an advertisement in today's Evening Standard urging people to text their opposition.
The advert has been taken out on behalf of the 2M group of London councils which represents the two million people most affected by expansion.
Edward Lister, leader of Wandsworth Council and 2M's spokesman, today called for the consultation into expansion to be extended beyond its end date of 27 February.
"This is equivalent to adding an extra airport the size of Gatwick at Heathrow. It is unthinkable that ministers should want to rush this through," he said.
He added: "We need to see a proper cost-benefit analysis which looks at all the social and environmental costs of expansion and which assesses the economic impact of alternative scenarios."
Reader views (6)
Ken,
your ignorance is terrifying - the growth of Heathrow has been framed with promises that at every stage T4, T5 etc., that was it and a cap on flights would be enforced. Fascinating Ken you forget to point out that only 8 minutes of flight delay can be placed at the door of airport congestion, the majority is maladministration by BAA. You also fail to address the growing body of evidence that aircraft noise actually kills people - your silence reminds me of the tobacco lobby - well you can't say you were not warned.
- Christian, London UK
It's a shame David Cameron wouldn't sign this petition. The Conservatives locally may be against expansion at Heathrow, but nationally they haven't ruled it out. Many believe it is essential for economic growth including their Transport Spokesperson. God help us if we get a Conservative Government, expansion will continue!
- Eleanor Hodges, London
The aircraft using this new runway will be stacked over the houses of many hundreds of thousands of people who might be under the misunderstanding that this is a local Heathrow issue, many will live a long way from the runway its self but will be subjected to a massive increase in noise.
- Secker, Stanmore
I am confused. This government spends thousands of pounds of taxes telling us to save energy and reduce air pollution by turning the heating down whilst at the same time wants to double the number of flights from Heathrow? Total madness or gross incompetence.
- Bethany Stephens, London E6
Anything organised by Goldsmith needs to be kicked right out of touch for a start. But apart from that, Heathrow is the world's busiest airport. It should also be the world's most efficient airport. We should be proud of it, rather than allowing it to deteriorate into an even worse hell than it already is. What is wrong with us?
As for those living in the area of the airport, well, it has been there longer than most residents. Everyone knew it was there when they moved in. They didn't suddenly find a massive great airport had been built in the neighbourhood.
- Ken, Bexleyheath, UK
There simply isn't enough room. And the congestion on the M25 and M4 would be horrendous. It would add another 2 hours to your journey time; you would have to book in at the Holiday Inn to ensure you caught your flight, and still more hotels would have to be built.
- Dhanraj, basildon, essex
