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Supporters of third Heathrow runway blast Cameron's 'lie'
Joe Murphy, Political Editor19.06.08
David Cameron faced a backlash from airlines and some Tory MPs today as his party hardened its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow.
Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said the Government should "go back to the drawing board" and find alternatives to expanding airports in the South-East.
But there was an angry counterblast from leading figures in the air industry, who said Mr Cameron had a " misplaced" understanding of how Heathrow worked.
In the Standard on Monday, Mr Cameron dismissed the supposed benefits to the economy of Heathrow's role as an international hub.
David Wilshire, whose constituency includes Heathrow, said Mr Cameron's claim that transit passengers spent almost nothing was "a lie peddled by the anti-brigade".
Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA, said Heathrow passengers included businessmen selling British goods abroad to "create wealth and support jobs across the country". Without expansion, they might be forced to move abroad.
MPs were today joining a protest outside the National Film Theatre against proposed changes in flight paths.
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Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
David Cameron should not listen to the threats of selfish businesses and airlines who only want to make a quick buck at the expense of the global environment and the health of others. Other businesses may move abroad if he does allow a third runway because of the threat to the quality of life and health.
- Claire Moran, London UK
It's called jobs Mike, they generate jobs at the airport. Those people then spend cash on the high street generating more UK jobs, it's basic economics.
Cameron is certainly using the Blair tactics, how successful he'll be at using them is another question. He knows too well that when he gets to power this subject will be written off as too hard to change. Anyone falling for the ruse will be left high and dry.
- Duncan Bailey, London
I travel from Heathrow in connection with work and am frequently surprised at the number of passengers who use it as a transit airport whilst waiting to fly to another part of the world. Although such passengers will no doubt generate income for both the airlines and BAA I do not see any wider benefits for the British economy.
- Mike Burton, London
