Heathrow Expansion Battle Between Business and Climate Campaigners
Posted July 8, 2009 – 11:32 am in: AirlinesAirline bosses have told British MPs that there is no alternative to expanding Heathrow airport. Bosses from the airlines Easyjet and Virgin have pointed out to the House of Commons that Heathrow is already full and that expansion is essential.
Supporters of the controversial plans for a third runway at Heathrow have claimed that it is vital for Britain’s economic growth and future prosperity. They have alerted the Government to the fact that Heathrow is now fifth in a league table of airports regarding the number of destinations served, behind Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich. They say that the third runway is needed in order to ensure that Heathrow retains its status as a primary International hub.
Many well known companies have joined together in support of the third Heathrow runway. These businesses include the drinks group Diageo, BT along with Tate and Lyle. The emerging economies and opportunities presented in Africa, Latin Americal and Asia has led to them being united with the CBI employers group and TUC in support of a third runway.
Environmental scientists have said that there is no choice and that the expansion of Heathrow airport must not go ahead. They say that the only practical solution to meet emission targets is for the airline industry to take steps to reduce the demand for flying. It is clear that this approach would not support growth in the economy.
The Government granted BAA permission to draw up detailed plans for the new third runway in January 2009. This is now the subject of a legal challenge from a coalition representing millions of people. The key points of the challenge are:
- That the UK risks breaching noise targets and the EU legal limits on air pollution.
- The decision to allow the development of a third runway at Heathrow will undermine Government’s efforts to meet emission targets that are intended to make a significant contribution to tackling climate change.
- That there should have been further consultation as the final plan adopted by the Government was so different from the original proposals.
The courts will now have to decide if the decision is compatible with the UK governments current legal obligations and policies with regard to climate change.
It seems inevitable that further conflict will arise between those who insist that expansion is needed for economic growth and those who believe that expansion will be too much for the environment.
*****************************************************
Save money on Heathrow Parking by booking in advance and why not stop at one of the many excellent Heathrow hotels and make the most of your trip.
Related posts:
- Stansted Airport Will Not Get A Second Runway Anglia News The Duke Of York Work & Stansted...
- To Find Cheap Cars To Rent: Look No Further Than Heathrow Airport People in Europe are again in the mood for...
- London Heathrow Airport Car Rental UK Once passengers arrive at London Heathrow Airport they can proceed...
- Emirates Airlines Emirates Airlines is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The...
- Emirates Airlines Emirates Airlines is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Tags: airport, expansion, heathrow, third runway