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Heathrow or Gatwick? Airport expansion decision day – politics live Heathrow or Gatwick? Airport expansion decision day – politics live
(35 minutes later)
9.49am BST
09:49
Protesters against airport expansion have been making their point outside the Houses of Parliament this morning.
Updated
at 9.53am BST
9.47am BST
09:47
WWF UK and Friends of the Earth have both criticised the decision to approve new runway capacity.
WWF UK’s director of advocacy, Trevor Hutchings, said:
Expanding airport capacity makes little business and no environmental sense. The government plans to ratify the Paris treaty, committing us to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint – and just weeks ago it helped to broker a deal that aims to reduce emissions from international aviation. Bringing more air traffic to London’s busy airports flies in the face of that objective.
Before any concrete is poured the government should publish a credible plan for driving down aviation emissions. And its industrial strategy must unequivocally commit to low-carbon growth, providing long-term clarity for investors in clean energy, infrastructure and transport.
Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton, who lives under the Heathrow flightpath in west London, said:
We won’t tackle climate change if Heathrow or Gatwick airports are allowed to expand.
Expanding airports anywhere will cause more noise and air pollution, with millions of people under flightpaths facing hundreds of extra flights every day.
Ministers must realise that signing the Paris agreement requires action too. We can’t keep giving the green light to climate-wrecking activities such as more flights and fracking.
Whatever the decision, campaigners, communities and councils will continue the fight against airport expansion - and the pollution and misery this would bring.
9.42am BST
09:42
Esther Addley
Sandeep Chopra, who has run the village shop in Harmondsworth for the past six years, said the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow, forcing the demolition or evacuation of most of the village, would “destroy my life”.
I will lose everything - my business, my house. It’s not easy going somewhere and starting again.
As a leaseholder, he said, he did not think he would be entitled to compensation.
I have a large family, we don’t take anything from the government in housing benefit or anything like that, and we all depend on this shop.
That included his wife and theee children, his parents, sister and brother, he said.
Harmondsworth is “a proper village”, he said, pointing to the large reservoir nearby, the two village churches and the medieval barn, run by English Heritage.
It’s a residents’ shop. People love the community, and they support us.
9.33am BST
09:33
Greenhouse gas emissions could consume around half the carbon budget available to the UK in 2050, even if the sector’s emissions growth is constrained, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.
It says:
In its most recent forecasts of demand for air travel, the government said that even without a new runway at Heathrow, UK airports would serve 445 million passengers per annum (mppa) in 2050. This is more than twice the 211 mppa served in 2010.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said UK aviation emissions, including international flights departing from UK airports, would reach 47MtCO2e by 2050 without airport expansion. With new runways, passenger numbers could rise to 480mppa, the DfT says. Carbon Brief estimates this would translate into emissions of 51MtCO2e in 2050.
This figure is more than two-thirds (71%) of the 72MtCO2e mid-range carbon budget for 2050 implied by the CCC (Committee on Climate Change, the government’s official advisers), if the UK is to play its part in meeting the ambition of the Paris agreement. It is also nearly a third (32%) of the budget for 2C, assuming the UK sticks with its 80% by 2050 target.
Updated
at 9.46am BST
9.25am BST
09:25
This is a reminder of just how long we have been waiting for this decision:
Today's news is making me nostalgic. Govt gives green light to new runways at Stansted and Heathrow - by me in 2003 https://t.co/7YClECmuWT
9.22am BST
09:22
Greenpeace has reiterated that it will, with local councils around Heathrow, take legal action if a third runway at the UK’s biggest airport is given the go-ahead.
Executive director John Sauven said:
Is the May government about to repeat the error of the Brown government and assume both the laws of nature and the law of the land can be fudged to allow another runway? That was the mistake Gordon Brown made shortly before the High Court blocked his Heathrow plan. We stand ready, with four Conservative local authorities, including Theresa May’s own council, to bring a judicial review against a green light for a third runway.
9.15am BST9.15am BST
09:1509:15
Esther AddleyEsther Addley
In Harmondsworth, one of a handful of villages set to be partly or wholly demolished if Heathrow expands, residents and campaigners began gathering early in the Five Bells pub, on the village green.In Harmondsworth, one of a handful of villages set to be partly or wholly demolished if Heathrow expands, residents and campaigners began gathering early in the Five Bells pub, on the village green.
Emma Steele, who lives a few doors down, opposite where the new runway is scheduled to be built, said she was “not shocked, but definitely angry” at the widespread assumption that Heathrow will be chosen.Emma Steele, who lives a few doors down, opposite where the new runway is scheduled to be built, said she was “not shocked, but definitely angry” at the widespread assumption that Heathrow will be chosen.
I elected David Cameron because he promised no third runway, and then it all gets U-turned around. I’m shocked Theresa May can let us down like this.I elected David Cameron because he promised no third runway, and then it all gets U-turned around. I’m shocked Theresa May can let us down like this.
The prospect of the loss of the village, she said, “almost makes you speechless. It’s apocalyptic.”The prospect of the loss of the village, she said, “almost makes you speechless. It’s apocalyptic.”
On the small village green, campaigners were hammering banners showing politicians, including May, voicing their opposition to Heathrow expansion in the past.On the small village green, campaigners were hammering banners showing politicians, including May, voicing their opposition to Heathrow expansion in the past.
Christine Frangleton, the pub’s manager, said she had been told it would just escape demolition, along with the Norman church of St Mary’s (on left of picture above) and a grade I listed medieval barn, but they were not convinced.Christine Frangleton, the pub’s manager, said she had been told it would just escape demolition, along with the Norman church of St Mary’s (on left of picture above) and a grade I listed medieval barn, but they were not convinced.
Even if it were allowed to stand, however, “You couldn’t possibly run a business when the runway is just over there. You couldn’t even live here,” she said.Even if it were allowed to stand, however, “You couldn’t possibly run a business when the runway is just over there. You couldn’t even live here,” she said.
“I’m not shocked, but what most people are disappointed with is the delay. We are so tired of it.”“I’m not shocked, but what most people are disappointed with is the delay. We are so tired of it.”
8.46am BST8.46am BST
08:4608:46
John Allan, chairman of London First, told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme:John Allan, chairman of London First, told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme:
From a UK perspective Heathrow is probably the right answer, but the critical thing is that they make a decision.From a UK perspective Heathrow is probably the right answer, but the critical thing is that they make a decision.
What we want above all is more airport capacity in the south east. The most important thing is to get on with it. Even though it is only a step in the road, it is a very important step in the road.What we want above all is more airport capacity in the south east. The most important thing is to get on with it. Even though it is only a step in the road, it is a very important step in the road.
8.38am BST8.38am BST
08:3808:38
Here is a potted history of Heathrow:Here is a potted history of Heathrow:
This is how #Heathrow grew from a tiny airfield to a major hub with 75 million people passing through each year pic.twitter.com/PMzjBslYpCThis is how #Heathrow grew from a tiny airfield to a major hub with 75 million people passing through each year pic.twitter.com/PMzjBslYpC
8.36am BST8.36am BST
08:3608:36
Jeremy Taylor, from Gatwick Diamond Business, told the BBC it is “disappointing” that Heathrow is the frontrunner. He also said that a third runway at the capital’s largest airport is unviable, partly because of the level of opposition to it, and a decision in favour of expansion there would just be “delaying the day when we see a second runway coming to Gatwick”.Jeremy Taylor, from Gatwick Diamond Business, told the BBC it is “disappointing” that Heathrow is the frontrunner. He also said that a third runway at the capital’s largest airport is unviable, partly because of the level of opposition to it, and a decision in favour of expansion there would just be “delaying the day when we see a second runway coming to Gatwick”.
Campaigners hoping #Gatwick Airport will be chosen for expansion today instead of #Heathrow express disappointment. pic.twitter.com/g9VoqUv1sqCampaigners hoping #Gatwick Airport will be chosen for expansion today instead of #Heathrow express disappointment. pic.twitter.com/g9VoqUv1sq
8.30am BST8.30am BST
08:3008:30
Daniel Moylan, a consultant for Gatwick Airport, described the Heathrow expansion option as “rubbish” when he was aviation advisor to then-mayor of London Boris Johnson.Daniel Moylan, a consultant for Gatwick Airport, described the Heathrow expansion option as “rubbish” when he was aviation advisor to then-mayor of London Boris Johnson.
He ttold BBC Radio Four’s Today programmeHe ttold BBC Radio Four’s Today programme
Well, I’ve always thought that Heathrow is a rubbish idea, going back the last 15 years.Well, I’ve always thought that Heathrow is a rubbish idea, going back the last 15 years.
The pattern of history we see here is that there’s a group of people who keep batting for another runway at Heathrow. They keep coming forward with proposals, they always fail. And instead of learning their lessons, they have another go at the brick wall.The pattern of history we see here is that there’s a group of people who keep batting for another runway at Heathrow. They keep coming forward with proposals, they always fail. And instead of learning their lessons, they have another go at the brick wall.
8.27am BST8.27am BST
08:2708:27
One of the cabinet members opposed to Heathrow expansion has arrived at Downing Street.One of the cabinet members opposed to Heathrow expansion has arrived at Downing Street.
Education Sec. Justine Greening arrives at No.10. She's opposed to Heathrow. As has Chris Grayling, Transport Sec. he'll make announcement.Education Sec. Justine Greening arrives at No.10. She's opposed to Heathrow. As has Chris Grayling, Transport Sec. he'll make announcement.
Greening’s constituency of Putney, Roehampton and Southfields stands to be adversely affected in terms of aircraft noise by an expanded Heathrow.Greening’s constituency of Putney, Roehampton and Southfields stands to be adversely affected in terms of aircraft noise by an expanded Heathrow.
8.21am BST
08:21
A survey of 647 UK exporters found that only 35% were happy with current provision at their local airport.
Just over a third (37%) believe extra international routes at their local airport would help them sell more goods and services overseas and the figure rises to 43% among exporting businesses in London.
Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, which carried out the research, says the results underline “the importance of the decision about a new runway in the south east”.
Geoffrey Spence, head of infrastructure, resources and energy at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:
Our survey demonstrates that connectivity is an issue right across the UK and not simply in and around the capital.
There are many factors at play when it comes to British businesses reaching the government’s ambitious export targets, but being able to quickly and easily access key overseas markets is clearly one of the most important.
Companies across Britain will hope that the decision over expanding capacity in the South East marks the beginning of investment to ensure the UK and its airports are not left behind by rival exporting economies.
7.21am BST
07:21
The co-leaders of the Green party, which opposes expansion at both Heathrow and Gatwick, have warned of the environment impact of today’s decision.
Caroline Lucas said:
The government is on the brink of announcing climate-wrecking plans for airport expansion in south east England. We know that that laying more tarmac at either Heathrow or Gatwick will bust any hope we have of meeting our climate change commitments, and inflict noise and air pollution on already blighted local communities.
Instead of expanding these airports the government should introduce a frequent flyer levy to reduce the need for any new runway capacity and invest the money raised in further measures to offer climate-friendly alternatives to air travel. I urge ministers to look at this proposal – and hope that opposition parties can join together in opposing airport expansion and backing this sensible alternative.
Jonathan Bartley, condemned Labour’s reported likely backing for a third runway at Heathrow.
He said:
The Labour party appears to have fallen into line with the government on airport expansion. Despite longstanding opposition to such a move from Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnnell it seems that the party may swing behind further expansion of the busiest airport in Europe.
Such a cross party consensus on airport expansion is deeply disappointing.
7.12am BST
07:12
One of the arguments against a third runway at Heathrow is that the already stretched transport infrastructure in the area could not cope.
There’s a timely reminder of the congestion that already often blights the area this morning.
Because of the #hogarthfuelspillage the A4 is solid eastbound from Heathrow to Cranford [ro] pic.twitter.com/6UN3xCHfyD
7.01am BST
07:01
Claire Phipps
I’m now handing over the live blog reins to Haroon Siddique, who’ll cover the Heathrow announcement – whenever it comes – plus all the day’s other politics news.
6.51am BST
06:51
Damien Gayle
Environmental activists, communities and local authorities are preparing for a campaign of opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, ahead of the decision.
Residents of villages threatened by the expansion have already been taking part in training for direct action, activists said, while four local councils have amassed a £200,000 war chest to fight expansion through the courts.
None will feel the impact of Heathrow expansion more than the residents of villages set to be partly or wholly razed to make way for a third runway. About 800 homes will be demolished, and thousands more will be made uninhabitable, campaigners say.
One of the villages under threat, Harmondsworth, has been home to Neil Keveren’s family for generations. His home will be 54 paces from the new boundary fence.
“I’ll be looking at it out of my kitchen window, and all the houses opposite me, and the ones close beside – and beside that and beside that – will be destroyed,” the 55-year-old said.
6.39am BST
06:39
The Sun reports today that Theresa May’s own website did, once upon a time, carry a number of posts railing against the possibility of a third runway at Heathrow.
The posts, it says, were removed in 2013.
The MP for Maidenhead – a town that would be directly affected by any increase in flights to and from one of the world’s busiest airports – had commented in January 2009, when the then Labour government was mooting the plan:
A third runway will result in thousands of additional flights, increased noise and more pollution for thousands of people.
The website also quoted May in the Commons telling then transport secretary Geoff Hoon:
I hope that the secretary of state recognises that as a result of today’s announcement, nobody will take this government seriously on the environment again.
6.30am BST
06:30
What happens next?
Gwyn Topham
If the government approves the building of a new runway, it is likely to be another four to five years before before spades are in the ground. The government will launch a limited public consultation on the local impacts of its decision before publishing a national policy statement on aviation next year. This needs to be ratified by parliamentary vote, either in late 2017 or 2018: still a quicker process than the parliamentary machinery employed for HS2, whose hybrid bill for the first phase is yet to be passed.
The winning airport would need to draw up a development consent order, which would include health and environmental impact assessments. A separate review of flight paths and airspace will also take place. The process should see airports submit applications for planning permission in 2019, with inspectors then recommending it to the secretary of state for communities for final approval in 2020.
Both airports have said a new runway could be completed by 2025.
6.17am BST
06:17
The Telegraph – which might not have Boris Johnson as a columnist any more but knows a thing or two about his thoughts nonetheless – says the foreign secretary is poised to open a rift within the cabinet as soon as any plan to expand Heathrow is announced:
Mr Johnson, the foreign secretary, is expected to make a statement shortly after in which he will argue that the decision is “wrong” and a “mistake”.
He will say that while he is a supporter of a “global Britain” after Brexit, an additional runway at Heathrow will increase pollution and noise levels.
Johnson, on his return to parliament as MP for Uxbridge and Ruislip South in 2015, made a bold claim in his acceptance speech (it was 4.30am, mind):
I will lie down with you in front of those bulldozers and stop the building, stop the construction of that third runway.
Later that year, he said he probably wouldn’t need to go that far:
I don’t think my services as a bulldozer blocker will be required for decades, if ever, because I don’t think it’s going to happen … It won’t succeed.
Theresa May has said that cabinet members with a longstanding opposition to Heathrow expansion – which would also include education secretary Justine Greening, whose constituency is Putney – will be allowed to speak out against any proposal to build or extend a runway.
6.06am BST
06:06
When will we know if Heathrow is to get a third runway?
Claire Phipps
It’s … complicated.
The cabinet’s airports subcommittee will meet on Tuesday morning to make a decision. We could hear after that.
Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, will make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons at 12.30pm – so we should certainly be sure by then.
However, in December 2013 and July 2015, when the interim and final reports of the Airports Commission were published, the news came at 7am, because they were regarded as market sensitive.
That final report did recommend a third runway for Heathrow, and that’s what most are expecting today. We’ll have all the twists and turns here, whenever they come.
4.10pm BST
16:10
Haroon Siddique
The government is finally expected to announce its decision as to which London airport expansion scheme it will choose today.
The options are:
The decision is due to be taken by Theresa May and other senior ministers at the airport subcommittee before cabinet this morning and the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, will make a statement to the Commons at 12.30pm. But it is possible news of the decision could come earlier – possibly before the markets open – because of its financial sensitivity.
Whichever path is chosen, it will have far-reaching implications, not just for the two airports but also for the residents surrounding them. People living close to whichever airport is chosen for expansion will face increased noise, pollution and traffic, and – in some cases – their homes being demolished.
Despite David Cameron’s infamous “no ifs, no buts” guarantee that there would not be a third runway at the capital’s biggest airport, Heathrow is considered the favourite, after the Davis Commission came out in favour of building a third runway at the west London hub more than a year ago.
But whatever happens today, it is unlikely to be the end of the matter.
Gatwick has said that even if Heathrow gets the green light it will remain on standby to deliver its own plan, as it believes that legal and political challenges will halt the west London hub’s expansion once again.
Greenpeace says it has joined forces with councils surrounding Heathrow – Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth and Windsor and Maidenhead – to instruct lawyers to seek a judicial review over the environmental impacts of a decision to go ahead.
There will also be political repercussions. Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, has promised to trigger a byelection if Heathrow is selected and would be likely to stand again as an independent with the support of his local party. It is possible he will resign today if Heathrow is chosen or wait until after a formal Commons vote on the issue.
Here’s our latest roundup:
Updated
at 6.02am BST