Heathrow airport expansion risks making UK look “ridiculous”

Airport expansion risks making the UK Government look “ridiculous” in Paris 2015 climate negotiations, according to the director of Friends of the Earth Scotland.

The response follows a report published this morning from the Airports Commission, recommending the construction of a new Heathrow runway.

Environmental campaigners warned that expanding the capacity of either Heathrow or Gatwick airports would damage the UK’s credibility on climate change, increase air pollution and undermine the rail sector.

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WWF Scotland called for answers on the other areas emission cuts would come to counterbalance higher emissions from flights.

Responding to the report, which has recommended a new runway at Heathrow whilst also leaving the door open to Gatwick expansion, Friends of the Earth Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon said: “This report looks at a false choice - expansion at Heathrow or Gatwick - when neither can be allowed if we're to stop runaway global warming.

“Building a new runway at Gatwick or Heathrow would have a hugely damaging impact on local people and their environment and would be a step backwards in UK efforts to tackle climate change.

“Airport expansion also risks worsening local air pollution levels which already breach legal limits.

“The UK Government will look ridiculous if it turns up at crucial climate talks in Paris later this year, claiming global leadership while at home having nodded through new runways, killed its onshore wind industry and foisted fracking on communities that don't want it.”

The Commission said the new northwest runway at Heathrow would allow flights to around 40 new destinations and create more than 70,000 new jobs by 2050.

Reacting to the report, WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “The Commission report confirms that without any constraints expanding airport capacity will lead to more flights and increased pollution. As aviation is the fastest growing source of climate change emissions it needs controlled, and not encouraged.

“Bosses at Heathrow have previously said that an extra runway there would allow for an increased number of short haul flights to London from Scotland's main airports, helping to undermine attempts to encourage the public to use less polluting alternatives like rail.

“Those who support airport expansion and more flying in Scotland need to explain which other parts of society will have to implement greater carbon cuts to accommodate the increased emissions that will result from this decision.”