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07/09/2012
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.
The coalition was initially against Heathrow expansion but leading Tories are now calling for a third runway.
The commission will also look at possible expansion at two other major London airports - Gatwick and Stansted.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, who opposes the expansion of Heathrow, has called the decision to set up a commission ”a fudge".
He strongly criticised Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to remove transport secretary Justine Greening from her post, which he claimed was a prelude to a U-turn on a third runway.
Ms Greening's successor Patrick McLoughlin said the Davies commission would identify and recommend to government "options for maintaining this country's status as an international hub for aviation".
In a written statement, the new transport secretary said: "This is a very difficult debate, but the reality is that since the 1960s Britain has failed to keep pace with our international competitors in addressing long-term aviation capacity and connectivity needs."
(H)
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.
The coalition was initially against Heathrow expansion but leading Tories are now calling for a third runway.
The commission will also look at possible expansion at two other major London airports - Gatwick and Stansted.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, who opposes the expansion of Heathrow, has called the decision to set up a commission ”a fudge".
He strongly criticised Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to remove transport secretary Justine Greening from her post, which he claimed was a prelude to a U-turn on a third runway.
Ms Greening's successor Patrick McLoughlin said the Davies commission would identify and recommend to government "options for maintaining this country's status as an international hub for aviation".
In a written statement, the new transport secretary said: "This is a very difficult debate, but the reality is that since the 1960s Britain has failed to keep pace with our international competitors in addressing long-term aviation capacity and connectivity needs."
(H)
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22 May 2008
"Hold' Heathrow Expansion Says Commission
There has been a call to hold-off on planned expansion of Heathrow and Stansted airports. The Government's own 'green watchdog' said it must be postponed because the evidence supporting Britain's aviation strategy is 'inadequate' and the subject of 'fundamental disagreement'.
"Hold' Heathrow Expansion Says Commission
There has been a call to hold-off on planned expansion of Heathrow and Stansted airports. The Government's own 'green watchdog' said it must be postponed because the evidence supporting Britain's aviation strategy is 'inadequate' and the subject of 'fundamental disagreement'.
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.
02 September 2014
Airport Commission Rejects 'Boris Island'
The Mayor of London has told the Airports Commission that their failure to take forward the only credible option for aviation expansion means their work will become increasingly irrelevant, as he cannot conceive of any possible scenario in which a Government would approve the expansion of Heathrow.
Airport Commission Rejects 'Boris Island'
The Mayor of London has told the Airports Commission that their failure to take forward the only credible option for aviation expansion means their work will become increasingly irrelevant, as he cannot conceive of any possible scenario in which a Government would approve the expansion of Heathrow.
17 December 2013
Shortlist Of Airport Expansion Options Produced
The Airports Commission has shortlisted three options for airport expansions. They include new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick and the extension of an existing Heathrow runway. The commission will also consider a new airport in the Isle of Grain in north Kent.
Shortlist Of Airport Expansion Options Produced
The Airports Commission has shortlisted three options for airport expansions. They include new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick and the extension of an existing Heathrow runway. The commission will also consider a new airport in the Isle of Grain in north Kent.
27 February 2008
Parliament Roof Protest Ends
A protest on the roof of Parliament over Heathrow expansion plans has ended. A number of protestors breached security at the Houses of Parliament and climbed on to the roof, next to Big Ben, on Wednesday morning. The activists, who were protesting about expansion plans at Heathrow Airport, unfurled banners, one of which read 'No 3rd Runway'.
Parliament Roof Protest Ends
A protest on the roof of Parliament over Heathrow expansion plans has ended. A number of protestors breached security at the Houses of Parliament and climbed on to the roof, next to Big Ben, on Wednesday morning. The activists, who were protesting about expansion plans at Heathrow Airport, unfurled banners, one of which read 'No 3rd Runway'.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
