Menu
02/09/2014
Airport Commission Rejects 'Boris Island'
The Mayor of London has told the Airports Commission that their failure to take forward the only credible option for aviation expansion means their work will become increasingly irrelevant, as he cannot conceive of any possible scenario in which a Government would approve the expansion of Heathrow.
Responding to news that the Airports Commission intends to consult on plans for new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, but will not proceed with consultation on a four-runway hub airport in the Thames Estuary, the Mayor expressed deep regret that the Commission has taken the debate back to two options that have been on the table for half a century without ever reaching take-off.
The Mayor expressed disbelief that while the Commission seemed to have no single reason to rule out an estuary airport, they appeared unable to recommend it simply because of its sheer scale and vision. Sir Howard Davies has told the Mayor that the debate on a second additional runway would need to begin by 2020, well before construction of either a third runway at Heathrow or a second runway at Gatwick could start.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "In one myopic stroke the Airports Commission has set the debate back by half a century and consigned their work to the long list of vertically filed reports on aviation expansion that are gathering dust on a shelf in Whitehall. Gatwick is not a long term solution and Howard Davies must explain to the people of London how he can possibly envisage that an expansion of Heathrow, which would create unbelievable levels of noise, blight and pollution, is a better idea than a new airport to the east of London that he himself admits is visionary, and which would create the jobs and growth this country needs to remain competitive. It remains the only credible solution, any process that fails to include it renders itself pretty much irrelevant, and I'm absolutely certain that it is the option that will eventually be chosen."
(CD/IT)
Responding to news that the Airports Commission intends to consult on plans for new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, but will not proceed with consultation on a four-runway hub airport in the Thames Estuary, the Mayor expressed deep regret that the Commission has taken the debate back to two options that have been on the table for half a century without ever reaching take-off.
The Mayor expressed disbelief that while the Commission seemed to have no single reason to rule out an estuary airport, they appeared unable to recommend it simply because of its sheer scale and vision. Sir Howard Davies has told the Mayor that the debate on a second additional runway would need to begin by 2020, well before construction of either a third runway at Heathrow or a second runway at Gatwick could start.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "In one myopic stroke the Airports Commission has set the debate back by half a century and consigned their work to the long list of vertically filed reports on aviation expansion that are gathering dust on a shelf in Whitehall. Gatwick is not a long term solution and Howard Davies must explain to the people of London how he can possibly envisage that an expansion of Heathrow, which would create unbelievable levels of noise, blight and pollution, is a better idea than a new airport to the east of London that he himself admits is visionary, and which would create the jobs and growth this country needs to remain competitive. It remains the only credible solution, any process that fails to include it renders itself pretty much irrelevant, and I'm absolutely certain that it is the option that will eventually be chosen."
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 December 2013
Shortlist Of Airport Expansion Options Produced
The Airports Commission has shortlisted three options for airport expansions. They include new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick and the extension of an existing Heathrow runway. The commission will also consider a new airport in the Isle of Grain in north Kent.
Shortlist Of Airport Expansion Options Produced
The Airports Commission has shortlisted three options for airport expansions. They include new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick and the extension of an existing Heathrow runway. The commission will also consider a new airport in the Isle of Grain in north Kent.
09 August 2013
Oxfordshire Four-Runway Airport Plans Submitted
Plans for a new £18.2 billion four-runway airport in Oxfordshire have been submitted to the governments Airport Commission, which is investigating the possibility of airport expansion in the South East.
Oxfordshire Four-Runway Airport Plans Submitted
Plans for a new £18.2 billion four-runway airport in Oxfordshire have been submitted to the governments Airport Commission, which is investigating the possibility of airport expansion in the South East.
20 June 2006
Four men arrested in anti-terror operation
Four men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in London as part of a continuing investigation into alleged international terrorism, police have revealed. Three men - two aged 29 and one aged 21 - were arrested on Monday night in Hackney, east London, while the fourth man - who is aged 28 - was arrested on Tuesday in south-east London.
Four men arrested in anti-terror operation
Four men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in London as part of a continuing investigation into alleged international terrorism, police have revealed. Three men - two aged 29 and one aged 21 - were arrested on Monday night in Hackney, east London, while the fourth man - who is aged 28 - was arrested on Tuesday in south-east London.
22 July 2013
Kidnapped Briton Freed In Nigeria
A British man has been released after being held for two days by kidnappers in Nigeria. The British High Commission confirmed that the Briton was released on Sunday after being seized on Friday outside Lagos airport. He had just arrived in the country. It is not know if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the man.
Kidnapped Briton Freed In Nigeria
A British man has been released after being held for two days by kidnappers in Nigeria. The British High Commission confirmed that the Briton was released on Sunday after being seized on Friday outside Lagos airport. He had just arrived in the country. It is not know if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the man.
20 August 2012
BAA To Sell Stansted Airport
Following a long-running legal battle, airports operator BAA has announced it will sell Stansted Airport. BAA has been fighting a 2009 Competition Commission ruling that it must sell Stansted because of the lack of competition between London airports.
BAA To Sell Stansted Airport
Following a long-running legal battle, airports operator BAA has announced it will sell Stansted Airport. BAA has been fighting a 2009 Competition Commission ruling that it must sell Stansted because of the lack of competition between London airports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
