1. 19 updates

Heathrow 'needs 3rd runway'

Capacity constraints at Heathrow Airport are restricting growth, according to a new report by MPs which calls for the Government to reverse its position and support a new runway. MP Tim Yeo challenged the PM on the issue yesterday.

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Heathrow capacity 'damages growth' says MPs

A new report by MPs says the Coalition government should change their position, and support a third runway. Credit: Press Association

A new report by MPs is calling for the Coalition government to change its position and support a third runway at Heathrow.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Aviation said capacity constraints at the airport are restricting the UK's economic potential.

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Boris: 'Totally wrong' to expand Heathrow

On aviation, I've made it clear many times, I don't think Heathrow represents the answer. I think the Prime Minister understands that. I think it would be totally wrong to expand an airport slap-bang in the middle of London's western suburbs.

It would have very damaging environmental effects and even if you were to put in a third runway it would rapidly run out of usefulness.

It would not serve London's needs in the long term. You need a bolder solution and that's the one that we're advocating.

– Boris Johnson, London Mayor

Charity welcomes confirmation that Coalition will keep pledge

Confirmation that the Coalition will keep its pledge not to build a third runway at Heathrow is welcome news - but the reality is the South East doesn't need any airport expansion at all.

Building more airports or runways would have an enormous impact on local communities and the environment and would seriously undermine UK efforts to tackle climate change.

The economic case for expansion has not been made - London already has more flights to the world's top business centres than any of its European competitors.

– Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton

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Virgin: 'Country can't afford to duck airport capacity any longer'

Virgin Atlantic has called on the Government to make a decision on airport capacity after Number 10 insisted there was no third runway to be built at Heathrow.

Heathrow is full. The country can’t afford for the issue of airport capacity to be ducked any longer.

The Government needs to develop a long-term credible aviation policy and fast. In every other leading country, aviation is expanding and is injecting much needed growth across the wider economy.

– Virgin Atlantic Spokesperson

'No doubt' the UK needs more airport capacity

Airports are a crucial economic link to opportunities for exports and inward investment, and we cannot afford to fall behind by not having enough capacity.

It is concerning that the Government appeared to rule out Heathrow even before the consultation was over, and that the decision has been delayed.

There is no doubt that we need more airport capacity, and the longer the Government delays deciding where it will be, the more chances for trade we will miss.

– Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors
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