LABOUR HINT THEY WON'T SUPPORT HEATHROW EXPANSION

PRESS RELEASE

 24 August 2017

For immediate use

LABOUR HINT THEY WON'T SUPPORT HEATHROW EXPANSION

Senior Labour party sources have indicated the party will not support Heathrow’s plans for a third runway in a parliamentary vote on the issue expected next year, saying the project will not meet four tests any locations for airport expansion had to pass in order to gain its support (1). The four tests include addressing noise issues, UK climate change obligations and ensuring growth across the country is supported (2). However, when presented with the evidence, it is clear the project falls short of these tests.

Labour’s failure to support Heathrow expansion in a vote in the Airports National Policy Statement next year is likely to cause significant damage to a major piece of Conservative infrastructure legislation and scupper Heathrow’s chances of constructing the runway it has been trying to build for the past 15 years.

Robert Barnstone, Campaign Coordinator of Stop Heathrow Expansion, said: “The Government need to be challenged on this project which is not only incredibly damaging to the environment, but will also come at a very high price to passengers who will pay for the third runway and UK taxpayers who will pay for road and rail upgrades – costing up to seventeen billion pounds; money that could be spent on desperately needed infrastructure in other regions of the UK.”

Ends.

Notes for editors

1.     Labour set to go hostile on third runway, FT, 24 Aug 17 https://www.ft.com/content/a704e8c6-8590-11e7-bf50-e1c239b45787

2.     Labour’s four tests for Heathrow expansion, Labour Party, 1 Jul 15 http://press.labour.org.uk/post/122925863819/if-recommendation-can-meet-number-of-tests-labour

For more information:

Rob Barnstone, 07806 947050; Robert.barnstone@outlook.conm