Knowledge Centre
16th January 2009
Business groups have welcomed the Government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow airport, but environmental campaigners have reacted with dismay.
The controversial decision, announced yesterday by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon, follows Department for Transport consultations on the likely environmental, economic and social impact of the expansion.
"Heathrow is vital to our economy," Hoon said. "It connects us to the growth markets of the future... but for too long it has operated at full capacity.
"This third runway will help secure jobs now and in the future and ensure that Britain remains a place where the world can come to do business."
Commenting on the decision, British Chambers of Commerce director-general David Frost said: "This sends a strong message to the world that we are a nation open for business.
"We're pleased that the Government has recognised just how important expanding Heathrow is to the UK's future economic prospects."
The Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) also welcomed the announcement.
"This is not an easy decision," said CBI director-general Richard Lambert. "But this announcement balances the needs of the economy with those of the environment, and provides the right framework for the country's long-term needs."
CBI Construction Council chairman John McDonough added: "With the Government estimating that 60,000 construction jobs could be created by these proposals alone, there will be huge future opportunities for the whole of the industry in delivering a third runway, together with the road and rail links needed to support it."
However, environmental groups and residents of the village of Sipson - much of which would be demolished if construction goes ahead - have vowed to continue fighting the plans.
"We know Heathrow can be made better without becoming bigger," said John Stewart of the Campaign for Better Transport, "and... politicians and business people agree with us."
"We'll be working hard over the next couple of years - both through national lobbying and through support of local campaigning - to stop this expansion plan."
Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said: "We'll fight it every step of the way because the lives of millions of people depend on us all slashing carbon emissions."
IMAGE Steve Parsons/PA
Businesses and environmentalists opposed on Heathrow runway plan
The controversial decision, announced yesterday by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon, follows Department for Transport consultations on the likely environmental, economic and social impact of the expansion.
"Heathrow is vital to our economy," Hoon said. "It connects us to the growth markets of the future... but for too long it has operated at full capacity.
"This third runway will help secure jobs now and in the future and ensure that Britain remains a place where the world can come to do business."
Commenting on the decision, British Chambers of Commerce director-general David Frost said: "This sends a strong message to the world that we are a nation open for business.
"We're pleased that the Government has recognised just how important expanding Heathrow is to the UK's future economic prospects."
The Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) also welcomed the announcement.
"This is not an easy decision," said CBI director-general Richard Lambert. "But this announcement balances the needs of the economy with those of the environment, and provides the right framework for the country's long-term needs."
CBI Construction Council chairman John McDonough added: "With the Government estimating that 60,000 construction jobs could be created by these proposals alone, there will be huge future opportunities for the whole of the industry in delivering a third runway, together with the road and rail links needed to support it."
However, environmental groups and residents of the village of Sipson - much of which would be demolished if construction goes ahead - have vowed to continue fighting the plans.
"We know Heathrow can be made better without becoming bigger," said John Stewart of the Campaign for Better Transport, "and... politicians and business people agree with us."
"We'll be working hard over the next couple of years - both through national lobbying and through support of local campaigning - to stop this expansion plan."
Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said: "We'll fight it every step of the way because the lives of millions of people depend on us all slashing carbon emissions."
IMAGE Steve Parsons/PA
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