≡ Heathrow runway ‘gets go-ahead’
Ministers have approved a controversial plan to build a third runway at Heathrow, the BBC understands.
Despite opposition from residents, environmental campaigners and many of its own MPs, Labour is set to confirm the decision officially on Thursday.
Leading business and union figures back the project, saying it will create jobs and boost the UK’s competitiveness.
But critics have said it will irreparably damage the UK’s credentials on tackling climate change.
Labour unease
The government has long argued, in principle, that it is in favour of the scheme, subject to noise and air pollution limits, and undertakings about access and traffic congestion.
Alongside the commitment to a new runway, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to announce increased investment in public transport, including a new high-speed rail link from the airport to central London.
There has been deep unease within Labour ranks about the decision, with several cabinet members reported to be unconvinced about the project and more than 50 MPs openly opposed.
In an effort to appease its critics, BBC political correspondent Jo Coburn said the government would announce new safeguards for limiting emissions with airlines using the new runway required to use the newest, least polluting aircraft.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson defended the government’s commitment to environmental concerns over Heathrow.
He said: “It’s a classic dilemma - we want to forge ahead in implementing our climate change ambitions when others are not but we don’t want to lose our economic competitiveness in the process. We want to do both these things.”
But backbench Labour MP John McDonnell, whose constituency includes the airport, said the fight against the expansion was only just “beginning” and opponents would “use every mechanism possible” including legal challenges, to stop the runway going ahead.
“If the government is not willing to listen to Parliament or the people then there is no other option but to mobilise the largest coalition of public opposition and protest to halt this disastrous proposal in its tracks,” he said.
The Conservatives say a new runway would be an “environmental disaster” and have pledged to reverse the decision should they win the next election.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
Related posts: Berlusconi, Toronto maple leafs, Buy today’s paper, Girlcott, Ethiopia begins Somalia pullout
January 30th, 2009 at 12:23 am
[…] posts: Heathrow runway ‘gets go-ahead’, Celtic woman, Men of honor, Dick clark s health, 101 sexiest celebrity […]
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 am
[…] get my feet wetuntil i swamp.” ~swan divejust a few (thousand) miles northRelated posts: Heathrow runway ‘gets go-ahead’, Consequence, Cabelas big game hunter, Real time clock, Simpsons halloween special […]