Livingstone claims expansion is against his environmental policy

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London today pledged support for the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow Airport. His support came during the monthly Mayoral Question Time meeting in an exchange between the Mayor and Richard Barnes, Assembly Member for the Heathrow Airport area.

Mr. Livingstone said he opposed the expansion, which centres on a third runway and sixth terminal, as it went against both his environmental policy and because it demolished 700 much needed homes. The Assembly and the Mayor are now planning to put forward a joint response, which is expected to call for a full public enquiry. This joint response is likely to carry more weight than separate ones would and will have resources and funding from the Greater London Authority.

Richard Barnes said, "This cross party unity will present a significant challenge to BAA's plans. Unlike the Mayor I am not against an increase in air travel but I do think that Heathrow should not be the first port of call when we need to increase capacity. There are plenty of airports around the UK that are crying out for this sort of expansion.”

The Government's plans for expansion at Heathrow have already been thrown into disarray after judge, Mr Justice Sullivan ruled against a full length third runway.  He told the Government to stick to the short (2,000m) runway indicated in the consultation that preceded its airports white paper.

June 23, 2005