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26/03/2012
Heathrow Expansion "An Environmental Disaster"
Boris Johnson has said that a third runway will not be built at Heathrow while he is power.
The Conservative mayoral candidate has said the further expansion of Heathrow would be "an environmental disaster " and akin to trying to "cram a quart into a pint pot".
He issued the statement amid reports that David Cameron and George Osborne are keen to re-examine long term policy on Heathrow amid fears that it is choking off economic growth. "'Heathrow has a great future as a key UK airport. But we cannot endlessly expand it, and cram a quart into a pint pot," Johnson said.
"A third runway would be an environmental disaster. It would mean a huge increase in planes over London, and intolerable traffic and fumes in the west of the city – and it will not be built as long as I am mayor of London.
"That is why the government is right to look at all new solutions for extra aviation capacity except the third runway at Heathrow. I look forward to engaging with [transport secretary] Justine Greening's consultation this summer."
Johnson has consistently opposed a third runway but has been building the case for the past four years for a new airport hub on the Thames estuary to create extra airport capacity in the south-east on economic grounds. The government recently confirmed it would consult on the issue, though Johnson told the Guardian over the weekend that despite his efforts, "contrary to popular belief I am not the slightest bit wedded to some remote archipelago in the Thames estuary."
Johnson is open to airport capacity being expanded at other sites, including Gatwick and Stansted.
However, Justine Greening has previously ruled out both in answers to parliamentary questions.
The Conservative mayoral candidate has said the further expansion of Heathrow would be "an environmental disaster " and akin to trying to "cram a quart into a pint pot".
He issued the statement amid reports that David Cameron and George Osborne are keen to re-examine long term policy on Heathrow amid fears that it is choking off economic growth. "'Heathrow has a great future as a key UK airport. But we cannot endlessly expand it, and cram a quart into a pint pot," Johnson said.
"A third runway would be an environmental disaster. It would mean a huge increase in planes over London, and intolerable traffic and fumes in the west of the city – and it will not be built as long as I am mayor of London.
"That is why the government is right to look at all new solutions for extra aviation capacity except the third runway at Heathrow. I look forward to engaging with [transport secretary] Justine Greening's consultation this summer."
Johnson has consistently opposed a third runway but has been building the case for the past four years for a new airport hub on the Thames estuary to create extra airport capacity in the south-east on economic grounds. The government recently confirmed it would consult on the issue, though Johnson told the Guardian over the weekend that despite his efforts, "contrary to popular belief I am not the slightest bit wedded to some remote archipelago in the Thames estuary."
Johnson is open to airport capacity being expanded at other sites, including Gatwick and Stansted.
However, Justine Greening has previously ruled out both in answers to parliamentary questions.
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15 January 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.
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.
16 January 2009
Group Smashes DfT Doors In Runway Protest
A group protesting against the proposed third runway at London's Heathrow Airport has smashed glass doors at the Department for Transport (DfT). The group, which calls itself The Climate Suffragettes, said three women wearing red sashes, hurled bricks at the doors at the Westminster building at 4am.
Group Smashes DfT Doors In Runway Protest
A group protesting against the proposed third runway at London's Heathrow Airport has smashed glass doors at the Department for Transport (DfT). The group, which calls itself The Climate Suffragettes, said three women wearing red sashes, hurled bricks at the doors at the Westminster building at 4am.
17 July 2013
Heathrow Submits Plans For Proposed New Runway
Three options for a third runway at Heathrow have been revealed, with the airport saying each plan would be "quicker and cheaper" than a rival airport hub. A submission to the Davis Committee shows three proposed runways, one to the north, one north-west and a third to the south-west.
Heathrow Submits Plans For Proposed New Runway
Three options for a third runway at Heathrow have been revealed, with the airport saying each plan would be "quicker and cheaper" than a rival airport hub. A submission to the Davis Committee shows three proposed runways, one to the north, one north-west and a third to the south-west.
07 September 2012
Ministers Confirm No Decision On Heathrow Until After Election
The next government will take the final decision on UK airport expansion, ministers have confirmed. A commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies, ex-Financial Services Authority boss, looking into ways to expand airport capacity will report in 2015. Options include a third runway at Heathrow and a new four-runway facility in the Thames estuary.
Ministers Confirm No Decision On Heathrow Until After Election
The next government will take the final decision on UK airport expansion, ministers have confirmed. A commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies, ex-Financial Services Authority boss, looking into ways to expand airport capacity will report in 2015. Options include a third runway at Heathrow and a new four-runway facility in the Thames estuary.
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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