The London Assembly today reaffirmed its position on Heathrow expansion during a public meeting with the author of the Airports Commission report, Sir Howard Davies.
Assembly Members agreed a motion that says a firm ‘no’ to expanding Heathrow, conflicting with the recommendation made in the controversial report.
Richard Tracey AM, who proposed the motion said:
“A third runway at Heathrow would be the wrong choice for Londoners and the country. Increased noise in west London and the fact that the additional landing space would not solve the long term aviation capacity problem makes the policy a non-starter. This is an opportunity for the Assembly to go on record to show we are united in our opposition to this flawed option.”
Darren Johnson AM, who seconded the motion said:
“The Assembly has been united in opposing Heathrow expansion for a decade, and I’m glad a majority still oppose it today. A third runway would make it impossible to tackle climate change and reduce air pollution below legal limits, and it would expose one million Londoners to aircraft noise. The only people to really benefit would be the owners of Heathrow airport.”
The full text of the amended Motion is:
“That the Assembly notes the answers to the questions asked and reiterates its belief that there is no circumstance under which Heathrow expansion would be acceptable.”
Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed by 13 votes for, none against.
- Watch the full webcast.
- Richard Tracey AM who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.