LABOUR’S TESTS ON HEATHROW WON’T BE MET
PRESS RELEASE
21 November 2019
For immediate use
LABOUR’S TESTS ON HEATHROW WON’T BE MET
Labour’s general election manifesto confirmed that support for Heathrow expansion will be subject to its four tests, which it has not yet met, according to the party’s shadow transport secretary.
The party’s manifesto states that “any expansion of airports must pass our tests on air quality, noise pollution, climate change obligations and countrywide benefits. We will examine fiscal and regulatory options to ensure a response to the climate crisis in a way that is fair to consumers and protects the economy.” (1).
But Andy McDonald, the party’s shadow transport secretary, confirmed that Heathrow cannot meet any of these tests when the vote went to Parliament in 2018, stating that “Labour has always argued that airport expansion must meet our four tests. After careful and rigorous consideration, we are clear they have not been met” (2).
McDonald went on to say: “Heathrow expansion is incompatible with environmental and climate change obligations and cannot be achieved without unacceptable impacts on local residents.”
The current Heathrow expansion plans would decimate communities around the airport, with Harmondsworth and Sipson left virtually lifeless, whilst the village of Longford would be totally destroyed. Communities such as West Drayton and Harlington would be a just few metres from a new runway, left breathing in toxic fumes from the expanded airport.
Geraldine Nicholson from local campaign group Stop Heathrow Expansion said:
“Heathrow expansion does not meet any of Labour’s tests. Heathrow is not deliverable, whether on climate change grounds, low or negative economic benefits to regional airports, or air pollution, this project cannot be successfully delivered. It should be halted at the earliest opportunity.”
“Our community is at stake, our lungs are being polluted, but climate change has no boundaries. Political parties that have supported the climate emergency cannot support expanding Heathrow. It is as simple as that.”
A Judicial Review into Heathrow Expansion, lodged by the Mayor of London, four local authorities, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Plan B Earth, was heard in the Court of Appeal in October. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps have stated that they will be watching the procedures “very closely” (5). The Conservative Manifesto is scheduled to be published on 24th November.
ENDS.
Notes:
1. Labour Party Manifesto 2019, p.21 https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Real-Change-Labour-Manifesto-2019.pdf
2. https://labour.org.uk/press/labour-four-tests-heathrow-expansion-not-met/
For more information contact Rob Barnstone on 07806 947050 or Robert.barnstone@outlook.com