Conservative Bow Group Report Backs Heathrow Expansion

Local people may have seen this report which appeared on the BBC News website yesterday and has been followed up in today’s newspapers.

“Heseltine backs Heathrow expansion report”

Conservative leader David Cameron’s decision to oppose the expansion of Heathrow airport has been questioned in a report backed by Lord Heseltine.
A report by Tory think tank the Bow Group says rail versus air is a “false debate” and there was a need for extra capacity at Heathrow.
Lord Heseltine, a key adviser to Mr Cameron, writes the report’s foreword. Backing a high-speed rail network, the Bow Group says it is essential it connects directly to Heathrow, rather than through a spur or loop line, to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. But it argues this cannot substitute for further growth at Heathrow as a new link will actually create demand for more flights from people wanting to take advantage of the better transport links. “Many commentators believe that a high-speed rail network is a substitute for extra runway at Heathrow,” it argues. “The reality is that they are complementary.”

This is obviously a worrying sign. On the last two occasions where a promise has been given by opposition parties opposing Heathrow expansion, they have reneged on this commitment soon after they were elected. In response on Monday I am launching a “Heathrow Manifesto” with an Early Day Motion in Parliament asking MPs of all parties to commit themselves to preventing the 3rd runway by signing the EDM statement promising not to support a 3rd runway at Heathrow. In this way my aim is to demonstrate that whoever forms the next Government a majority of MPs from all parties will prevent the runway going ahead.

submitted by John on 22 Jan 2010 at 16:38