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15/01/2009
Heathrow Third Runway Given Go-Ahead
Local residents from a community set for demolition to make way for a new runway at London's Heathrow airport, have today spoken of their dismay at the decision.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon today confirmed the expansion, despite widespread opposition from residents, environmental protesters and MPs.
Residents of Sipson today vowed to use direct action, if necessary, to prevent the demolition of the historic village - with at least 700 homes - to make way for the new runway.
Mr Hoon, in a statement, outlined a number of stipulations which would limit noise and emissions, and said doing nothing to expand capacity at Heathrow would "damage our economy".
He added: "Heathrow is vital to our economy. It connects us to the growth markets of the future - essential for every great trading nation.
"But for too long it has operated at full capacity, losing ground to international hub airports in other countries and with relatively minor problems causing severe delays to passengers.
"This third runway will help secure jobs now and in the future and ensure that Britain remains a place where the world can come to do business."
However, green groups and dozens of MPs are strongly opposed to the decision, saying it would encourage more flights and increase the UK's carbon emissions. Residents in the west London area have also voiced concerns the expansion would also create more aircraft noise.
Thirty-year-old Debbie Power, landlady at the King William IV in Sipson, said she expects to lose "everything" as a result of the runway development.
Ms Power said: "The third runway will mean both my house and this pub will go. It will mean totally starting again. I lose everything.
"I like where I live and I would never have chosen to move."
Residents are expected to join local councils, including Hillingdon and Hounslow, and Boris Johnson, the London mayor, in mounting a legal challenge against the third runway.
Meanwhile, a Labour MP has been suspended from the House of Commons for five days after he angrily branded the decision on the vote a "national disgrace".
Mr McDonnell, was sanctioned after he picked up the Mace - the ornamental club which represents the royal authority of Parliament - in a breach of protocol.
During the Transport Secretary's speech, the MP whose constituency includes Heathrow Airport grabbed the mace and shouted: "It's a disgrace to the democracy of this country."
He was immediately "named" by the Deputy Speaker of the House, a move which effectively suspended Mr McDonnell from the House for five days.
Today's announcements follow the 'Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport' consultation which began in November 2007 and attracted over 70,000 responses.
(JM/BMcC)
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon today confirmed the expansion, despite widespread opposition from residents, environmental protesters and MPs.
Residents of Sipson today vowed to use direct action, if necessary, to prevent the demolition of the historic village - with at least 700 homes - to make way for the new runway.
Mr Hoon, in a statement, outlined a number of stipulations which would limit noise and emissions, and said doing nothing to expand capacity at Heathrow would "damage our economy".
He added: "Heathrow is vital to our economy. It connects us to the growth markets of the future - essential for every great trading nation.
"But for too long it has operated at full capacity, losing ground to international hub airports in other countries and with relatively minor problems causing severe delays to passengers.
"This third runway will help secure jobs now and in the future and ensure that Britain remains a place where the world can come to do business."
However, green groups and dozens of MPs are strongly opposed to the decision, saying it would encourage more flights and increase the UK's carbon emissions. Residents in the west London area have also voiced concerns the expansion would also create more aircraft noise.
Thirty-year-old Debbie Power, landlady at the King William IV in Sipson, said she expects to lose "everything" as a result of the runway development.
Ms Power said: "The third runway will mean both my house and this pub will go. It will mean totally starting again. I lose everything.
"I like where I live and I would never have chosen to move."
Residents are expected to join local councils, including Hillingdon and Hounslow, and Boris Johnson, the London mayor, in mounting a legal challenge against the third runway.
Meanwhile, a Labour MP has been suspended from the House of Commons for five days after he angrily branded the decision on the vote a "national disgrace".
Mr McDonnell, was sanctioned after he picked up the Mace - the ornamental club which represents the royal authority of Parliament - in a breach of protocol.
During the Transport Secretary's speech, the MP whose constituency includes Heathrow Airport grabbed the mace and shouted: "It's a disgrace to the democracy of this country."
He was immediately "named" by the Deputy Speaker of the House, a move which effectively suspended Mr McDonnell from the House for five days.
Today's announcements follow the 'Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport' consultation which began in November 2007 and attracted over 70,000 responses.
(JM/BMcC)
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22 November 2007
Heathrow Expansion Would Flatten Entire Village
An entire village near London's main airport may have to be demolished to make way for a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow.
Heathrow Expansion Would Flatten Entire Village
An entire village near London's main airport may have to be demolished to make way for a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow.
01 July 2015
Airports Commission Supports Third Heathrow Runway
The Airports Commission has voiced its support for a third runway at Heathrow. In its report, it said the expansion would add a further £147bn in economic growth, and create 70,000 jobs by 2050. It would also provide around 40 new destinations for Britain.
Airports Commission Supports Third Heathrow Runway
The Airports Commission has voiced its support for a third runway at Heathrow. In its report, it said the expansion would add a further £147bn in economic growth, and create 70,000 jobs by 2050. It would also provide around 40 new destinations for Britain.
17 June 2003
BA to support third shorthaul Heathrow runway
British Airways (BA) has announced today that intends to support moves to create a third runway at Heathrow and a second runway at Birmingham airport. In a statement today, BA said that it would also back an extra runway at Edinburgh or Glasgow airport and new passenger terminals at Manchester airport.
BA to support third shorthaul Heathrow runway
British Airways (BA) has announced today that intends to support moves to create a third runway at Heathrow and a second runway at Birmingham airport. In a statement today, BA said that it would also back an extra runway at Edinburgh or Glasgow airport and new passenger terminals at Manchester airport.
22 May 2003
BA backs third runway for Heathrow
British Airways is backing calls for a third Heathrow runway saying that it would boost the UK economy by £37 billion. Research by the airline has suggested that a third short runway at Heathrow would generate £37 billion of economic benefits for the UK over a 50-year period.
BA backs third runway for Heathrow
British Airways is backing calls for a third Heathrow runway saying that it would boost the UK economy by £37 billion. Research by the airline has suggested that a third short runway at Heathrow would generate £37 billion of economic benefits for the UK over a 50-year period.
06 June 2005
Heathrow expansion plans announced
A third runway could be introduced at Heathrow airport under new proposals published today. The plans aim to transform the airport to accommodate increasing passenger growth. £4.
Heathrow expansion plans announced
A third runway could be introduced at Heathrow airport under new proposals published today. The plans aim to transform the airport to accommodate increasing passenger growth. £4.
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