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Third Heathrow runway in doubt as decision is delayed
Joe Murphy, Political Editor04.12.08
The brakes were slammed on the decision over Heathrow's third runway today.
A postponement to next month of the long-planned announcement was declared by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon to give him more time to weigh the evidence.
The decision had been expected within days - and the delay fuelled feverish speculation that some Cabinet ministers are going cold on Heathrow expansion because of the massive political fallout.
"I share the desire for this issue to be resolved," Mr Hoon assured MPs. "I am equally aware of the importance of reaching the right conclusion.
"I know there are strong views across a range of interests. I will ensure that I give proper consideration to the evidence and will therefore take more time."
But Labour MP John Grogan said he was increasingly convinced that the extra runway was now in doubt.
"Three weeks ago ministers were preparing to rubberstamp the third runway but as the extent of parliamentary opposition has become clear they have stepped back," he said.
"The delay can only mean one thing - that there is fierce debate going on in government at the very highest level."
Business group London First expressed frustration with the delay. "We need a decision on a new runway soon - there's nothing the market hates more than prolonged uncertainty," said a spokesman.
Backers say a third runway is vital to prevent the premier airport being overtaken by rivals in Europe, undermining London's future prosperity.
But the scheme, which is backed in principle by the Government subject to various environmental tests, has lost momentum in recent months, amid rumblings from Labour rebels including former London Minister Nick Raynsford and former Environment Minister Michael Meacher.
Environmental campaigners say it would mean more flights, noise and pollution over west London.
Mr Hoon was confronted by fierce opposition from Labour MPs when the issue was debated in the Commons and there are concerns among government whips that any vote in the House could be lost.
Six months ago, Tory leader David Cameron looked isolated when he opposed the scheme but since then the campaigners against Heathrow expansion have gathered support.
A delay, with the minister clearly undecided, will be used by both sides in the debate to intensify their campaigning in the hope of swinging the outcome.
Environmental group Hacan ClearSkies today claimed the credit crunch had made the third runway "obsolete".
Hacan claims the Department for Transport document, which contains more than 70,000 responses from the public, has became irrelevant because it was completed before the downturn.
It called on the new Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband to challenge his Cabinet colleagues over the plans.
This week the Standard revealed that Hacan is planning direct action in the new year to bring Heathrow to a standstill. Protesters said they wanted to make the Government pay for "broken promises" by targeting leading MPs and Heathrow officials.
Reader views (9)
I notice most of the people I see protesting about the 3rd runway are either retired or not local. Heathrow airport emplyoys tens of thousands of people in the local community, but the media doesnt seem too concerned with our need for jobs. Not just new jobs, but keeping the ones already in Heathrow at Heathrow.
Also I live directly on the flight path less then a mile from the airport and in all honesty never even notice the noise. Thats not just me, everyone who lives here.
- Sanj, Hounslow, England
To fuel the envisaged expansion in air traffic, crude oil production would have to double, whereas according to BP's Statistical Review it peaked in 2006. If more jet fuel is extracted from a barrel of crude oil, then less petrol and diesel is. Taking into account the phased introduction of more efficient aircraft means that a tripling of traffic still needs twice the jet fuel. It can't be done.
- John Busby, Bury St Edmunds UK
The decision for a third runway was taken a long time ago,anyone with any sense knows it is going to happen.Try asking the bookies for odds on this and see what you get.Get used to it,there is going to be a third runway,I know it,the goverment knows it and now you know it.
- Dave Potter, london
Willie Walsh says that Dubai are building a 6 runway airport, but all of the state of the art 24 hour airports are not in densley populated areas, when will this government ever listen , have some courage and invest in an estuary airport with 10 runways if BA wants it, and lets face it, they want more than 3 runways, watch this space !
- Malcolm Whitlock, London
In south east Kent there one of the longest runways in europe, its called Manston. With a decent rail link of which most is already in place and just slight road improvements. Manston has to be the sensible answer. All under an hour from London with the right investment.
- Terence Harrington, Canterbury, England
Believe me, the delay has nothing to do with this devious Government having any doubts about runways, it's just a tactic to delay the announcement until it can be 'buried' by some other major event and the media therefore ignores it. That's how politicians operate these days. What disgusts is how one man of questionable intellect (Hoon) can single-handedly decide the fate of a complete area and the quality of thousands of peoples lives-is that democracy?
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
"allow more time to consider all the evidence" - allow more time to work out how to stitch us all up, more like it.
- Austen, London
Perhaps there is a major news event due in 2 months time so they can approve it then. Maybe they are planning a famous death or a war or something of that ilk that will provive good cover.
- Stephen, London
I like many others hope that the government sees sense and stops expanding Heathrow. The extra noise, pollution and road congestion in such a heavily populated area just doesn't make sense.
However, call me cynical, but I expect today's decision is more about avoiding damaging media coverage. Telling people they are going to demolish their homes right before Christmas would not be good for Labour's image at the moment.
- Rich, London
