Business groups have long called for Heathrow’s extension, which they say would boost trade and help Britain keep up with rapidly expanding airports in the Middle East and Asia. “We can develop our business via Madrid, which has spare capacity, and Dublin, where there are plans for a cost-effective and efficient second runway”.
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Labour’s London Mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan, was quoted on the BBC as saying London would not forgive Cameron “if he postpones the decision simply to spare Mr Goldsmith’s “embarrassment” during the election campaign”. The Conservative leader also infamously promised in 2009 that with “no ifs, no buts” he would block an expansion of Heathrow.
“Business will question whether ministers are delaying critical upgrades to our national infrastructure for legitimate reasons, or to satisfy short-term political interests”, he claimed, hinting that the government wanted to wait until after the London mayoralty elections.
“We need the government to get on with an increase in United Kingdom aviation hub capacity by announcing an expansion and improvement of airport infrastructure at Heathrow to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub”. The AOA supports all airports that wish to grow and believes in making best use of existing capacity at United Kingdom airports.
“There can be no doubt that in a fair contest on air quality, Heathrow will not win”, he added.
John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport said: “Our new plan will connect the whole nation to global growth while providing opportunities for the local community and making Heathrow the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world”.
Many suspect that the latest delay on a third runway at Heathrow is actually the government bending to the will of Zac Goldsmith. “I am confident we can meet tough environmental standards”.
“We will also continue to talk to all our neighbours, listen and incorporate their feedback into our plans to ensure a new, expanded Heathrow is delivered safely and sustainably”.
Shadow transport secretary Lilian Greenwood said the statement “owes more to political calculations than genuine concern for the environment or residents who now face another year of blight and uncertainty”.
Friends of the Earth campaigner Oliver Hayes said it was “no surprise” that David Cameron had “choked” on the decision.
The government said it would postpone the decision until at least mid-2016, amid strong lobbying by businesses for a third runway at Heathrow – Europe’s busiest airport – and fierce opposition from some legislators and environmental groups.
Mr McLoughlin said: “When an announcement is to be made I will make it in the House”.
In July, the commission recommended that the Heathrow third runway scheme should be taken forward with the Government due to act on this recommendation by the end of this year.
The PM’s spokeswoman pointed out that the Davies report identified a need for extra capacity in the South East by 2030. A decision is now expected next summer.
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“We will undertake more work on environmental impacts, including air quality, noise and carbon”.
