Conservatives call for scrapping of Heathrow's third runway

September 29, 2008

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers has told the Conservative party conference that they will scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in favour of high-speed rail line.

In an effort to cut the number of annual flights by 66,000, the proposed £20 billion rail project would see 180mph trains operate between St Pancras in London and Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The announcement by Ms Villiers is said to be based on environmental concerns, will many groups already vocal in their opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Responding to the announcement, a spokesman for BAA said: "BAA believes this country needs both a third runway at Heathrow and high speed rail. To prioritise one over the other is a false choice and will put Britain's competitiveness at risk.

"It is not clear how this proposal will resolve the lack of airport capacity, a problem which must urgently be addressed."

In defence of its plans for a third runway, the BAA statement also released figures detailing the number of flights to the destinations involved: "The total number of flights to Manchester and Leeds/Bradford is only 13,356 or less than 3% of Heathrow's total flights. Even if every flight from Manchester and Leeds/Bradford were replaced by a new high-speed rail line then Heathrow would still be operating at 97% of capacity.

"There are currently no flights from Birmingham to Heathrow."

A government decision over whether Heathrow can proceed with its plans for a third runway is set to be made later this year.

Written by: Michael Johnson

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