BAA support for third runway at Heathrow
Following the end of a Government consultation period yesterday on proposed expansion at Heathrow Airport, BAA published its response announcing support for a third runway.
BAA Business Strategy Director, Mike Forster said, “The UK will draw obvious benefits from new runway capacity at Heathrow, in terms of jobs and international competitiveness. However, it is important that we address important environmental concerns and our submission to this consultation clearly demonstrates how we can grow Heathrow, with due regard for local communities and the environment and in a responsible way.
We now urge the Government to carefully consider all the responses to the consultation – and the evidence presented - and make a clear and positive decision which reflects Heathrow’s unique role as the social and economic engine-room of the UK..."
The Government, business leaders and BAA are all pushing for expansion of Europe's busiest airport based on the existing runways operating at 99% of permitted capacity and future ability to compete with economic rivals such as Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid. They also say that Heathrow has a major social responsibility servicing the multi-cultural population of London and the South East.
However, opposition to the plans is fierce amongst locals and those worried about the environmental impact of such an increase in air traffic. Yesterday protesters from the 'Plane Stupid' environmental group scaled the Houses of Parliament.
Plane Stupid spokesman Malcolm Carroll said, "This is all about no third runway... The direct action movement know we have got to take these protests to another level to get the government to listen," according to Reuters.
On Monday four Greenpeace protestors were arrested after breaching Heathrow security to climb onto a British Airways plane to hang a banner on its tail fin.
Written by: Maxine Clarke
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