Objectors claimed the Britsh government’s policy over the expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport was “in tatters” today after a High Court judge ruled that plans for a third runway must be reconsidered.
A coalition of local councils, green groups and residents argued that the expansion decision was at odds with the UK’s overall climate change targets. The coalition includes six local authorities, Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
Today Lord Justice Carnwath, sitting in London, upheld their argument that the Government’s policy support for a third runway, made in 2003 and confirmed in January last year, will need to be looked at again, particularly in respect of climate change policy and surface access.
The coalition said in a joint statement that the Government’s Heathrow policy “is in tatters this morning”.
The statement said: “If the Government wants to pursue its plans for Heathrow expansion, it must now go back to square one and reconsider the entire case for the runway.”
Labour MP John McDonnell, who has led the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow for the last 30 years, said: “In essence, this judgment means that the game is up for a third runway at Heathrow and I am calling upon the Government to accept the inevitable and lift this threat to my community.”
He went on: “What we need now is a sensible approach to developing a sustainable transport policy based upon high-speed rail. This judgment is a victory. It means that whichever party is in government, they will not now be able to force through Heathrow expansion.”
But Transport Secretary Lord Adonis reaffirmed the Government’s support for expansion, saying he welcomed the court’s ruling.
It does not rule out a new runway but calls for a review “of all the relevant policy issues, including the impact of climate change policy”.
Lord Adonis said: “Heathrow is Britain’s principal hub airport. It is vital not only to the national economy but also enables millions of citizens to keep in touch with their friends and family and to take a well-deserved holiday.
“The airport is currently operating at full capacity. A new runway at Heathrow will help secure jobs and underpin economic growth as we come out of recession."
PA