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Heathrow expansion: government approves third runway for London airport - live Heathrow expansion decision condemned by senior Tories - live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.13pm BST
12:13
Zac Goldsmith to resign
The Guardian understands that Zac Goldsmith will announce his resignation this afternoon, making good on his promise to do so if the green light was given to a third runway at Heathrow. He will thereby trigger a tricky by-election for the Conservatives.
Following the Government's catastrophic Heathrow announcement, I will be meeting my constituents later today before making a statement.
12.08pm BST
12:08
This is what has been given the go ahead:
Back Heathrow’s campaign director, Rob Gray, said:
This is a significant moment for thousands of residents living near Heathrow who back expansion because they have waited a long time for today’s news.
It’s now or never. Building a new runway at Heathrow has plenty of cross-party support in parliament and backing from the majority of international airlines, business groups, trade unions, exporters and communities surrounding the airport. This is a golden opportunity for the UK that must not be squandered.
12.05pm BST
12:05
The leader of Richmond Council said he is “appalled” by today’s decision. He promised to “fight this threat, using every means at our disposal within the law” and that the third runway would never be built.
Lord True, Leader of @LBRUT slams Government decision to expand #Heathrow #NOtoHeathrow @bbcbreaking https://t.co/hHt2kuIOuT
12.00pm BST
12:00
Gwyn Topham
The government said it will propose a six-and-a-half hour ban on scheduled night flights, and will make more stringent night noise restrictions a requirement of expansion. It will also propose new legally binding noise targets.
It also stipulated that the third runway “must be delivered without hitting passengers in the pocket”. Although charges to airlines are expected to rise substantially at an expanded Heathrow, the government said that the Airports Commission and CAA were clear that keeping fares steady was “achievable”.
Airlines warned that the cost of expansion would be crucial. Airline trade body BATA said:
We will be scrutinising this decision and future, more detailed, plans. Heathrow is the most expensive hub airport in the world - and airports are not funded by the taxpayer, but by passengers. Today’s passengers must not pay for capacity that will not be operational until the mid-2020s.
11.58am BST
11:58
Esther Addley
Armelle Thomas has lived in Harmondsworth since the late 1960s - she and her late husband Tommy met while working at Heathrow and “fell in love” with the village.
Her house, just behind the High Street, is one of those set to disappear under the new runway, but Thomas said she was determined never to move.
My house is not for sale at any price. I was with my husband for 46 years and I have my memories.
Last month, she attended the Conservative party conference to hand out protest leaflets.
Nobody is talking about 10,500 people being made homeless by a government that is supposed to be compassionate. I’m a Conservative, I have always been, but they will never get my vote again.
Another local resident said his elderly neighbour in their home village of Longford, which will disappear entirely to make way for a car park, had been in tears when he spoke to him this morning
The man, who declined to give his name because he works at Heathrow, said his neighbour visited hospital every second day because he needed dialysis.
Where is he going to move to? He’s not going to find another house, another village. He has there since before Heathrow, he grew up there. He will never have people supporting him like they do in the village when he is sick. It’s totally unfair on people like him.
11.56am BST
11:56
Gwyn Topham
Business leaders have welcomed the decision to expand Heathrow. The president of the CBI, Paul Drechsler, said it was “an enormous relief to firms in every corner of the country”.
He said:
It will create the air links that will do so much to drive jobs and unlock growth across the UK.
With contracts to tender for, apprentices to recruit and supply chains to build, this decision must be taken forward swiftly, giving businesses the confidence to invest.
The chair of the transport select committee, Louise Ellman MP, said:
This decision will boost business, create training opportunities and new jobs and open the UK to new markets.
We have had to wait a long time for this. We recognise it won’t be an easy journey… We urge the Government to have the courage of their convictions and press ahead so that the timetable to deliver the additional capacity by 2030 can be delivered.
But Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
The decision to expand Heathrow tramples over the concerns of local people and puts a wrecking ball through the Government’s claim to be concerned about climate change. The truth is that the Government went into this process with their eyes shut to the only sensible option: stopping airport expansion.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England said it was “madness”. Ralph Smyth of the CPRE said:
The north-south divide has been increasing: by giving the go ahead to yet another runway in the south the Prime Minister has effectively pulled the rug on her own flagship policy of rebalancing our nation’s economy.
It’s madness to be promoting domestic flights at the same time as investing in alternatives like high speed rail.
11.54am BST
11:54
Heathrow is naturally pleased with the decision.
A spokesman for the airport said:
We welcome the news that Heathrow is government’s preferred site for a new runway and look forward to hearing the full details later from the transport secretary.
Expansion of Heathrow is the only option that will connect all of the UK to global growth, helping to build a stronger and fairer economy.
We await the full details, but Heathrow stands ready to work with government, businesses, airlines and our local communities to deliver an airport that is fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK.
11.46am BST
11:46
Rowena Mason
It is understood Justine Greening, the education secretary, will restate her opposition to expansion at Heathrow in a statement for constituents later on Tuesday afternoon.
She is not expected to give any broadcast or press interviews. Under the terms of May’s limited suspension of collective responsibility, Greening will be able to continue expressing her discontent with the decision without actively campaigning against it.
Zac Goldsmith, the Tory MP for Richmond Park, said he was meeting constituents about the “catastrophic” decision before making a statement on his future this evening.
He has threatened to resign and trigger a byelection in his seat, standing as an independent, but has not yet said whether he will do this straight away or put it off until there is a vote in parliament next year.
11.42am BST
11:42
Leaving Downing Street, Grayling was asked if he truly believed the third runway would become a reality. He answered: “Absolutely.”
11.39am BST11.39am BST
11:3911:39
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
The Campaign for Better Transport said the decision to back a third runway was scandalous.The Campaign for Better Transport said the decision to back a third runway was scandalous.
Chief executive, Stephen Joseph, said:Chief executive, Stephen Joseph, said:
It’s scandalous that the government has completely ignored the environmental impact of a new runway, or the costs it will impose on people on lower incomes with the huge sums the Airports Commission proposes adding to the cost of plane tickets to allow a new runway to be built. There is also the huge cost to the taxpayer of providing the addition surface access to Heathrow, which Transport for London’s own research shows is likely to be at least £17 bn, and how this will siphon off money from other schemes to tackle London’s already overcrowded transport network.It’s scandalous that the government has completely ignored the environmental impact of a new runway, or the costs it will impose on people on lower incomes with the huge sums the Airports Commission proposes adding to the cost of plane tickets to allow a new runway to be built. There is also the huge cost to the taxpayer of providing the addition surface access to Heathrow, which Transport for London’s own research shows is likely to be at least £17 bn, and how this will siphon off money from other schemes to tackle London’s already overcrowded transport network.
The charity is calling for a frequent flyer levy to reduce the growth in demand for flights which is says comes from a small, wealthy minority, and thereby remove the need for a new runway.The charity is calling for a frequent flyer levy to reduce the growth in demand for flights which is says comes from a small, wealthy minority, and thereby remove the need for a new runway.
Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton, who lives under the flightpath in west London, said:Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton, who lives under the flightpath in west London, said:
Expanding Heathrow would be a hugely damaging blow for local people, and makes a complete mockery of government commitments to tackle climate change. With the government poised to sign the Paris climate agreement, it’s decision to expand Heathrow – shortly after forcing fracking on the people of Lancashire – looks deeply cynical.Expanding Heathrow would be a hugely damaging blow for local people, and makes a complete mockery of government commitments to tackle climate change. With the government poised to sign the Paris climate agreement, it’s decision to expand Heathrow – shortly after forcing fracking on the people of Lancashire – looks deeply cynical.
He warned:He warned:
However this is only the first step on a long journey that will see communities, councils and climate campaigners continue the battle to reverse this misjudged and damaging decision.However this is only the first step on a long journey that will see communities, councils and climate campaigners continue the battle to reverse this misjudged and damaging decision.
11.35am BST11.35am BST
11:3511:35
Confirming the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow, transport secretary Chris Grayling says the government has made a “momentous” decision today:Confirming the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow, transport secretary Chris Grayling says the government has made a “momentous” decision today:
The step that government is taking today is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.The step that government is taking today is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.
A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.
This is an important issue for the whole country. That is why the government’s preferred scheme will be subject to full and fair public consultation. Of course it is also hugely important for those living near the airport. That is why we have made clear that expansion will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of a world class package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6 billion, including community support, insulation, and respite from noise – balancing the benefits and the impacts of expansion.This is an important issue for the whole country. That is why the government’s preferred scheme will be subject to full and fair public consultation. Of course it is also hugely important for those living near the airport. That is why we have made clear that expansion will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of a world class package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6 billion, including community support, insulation, and respite from noise – balancing the benefits and the impacts of expansion.
The Department for Transport said a new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61 billion. Up to 77,000 additional local jobs are expected to be created over the next 14 years and the airport has committed to create 5,000 new apprenticeships over the same period, it said.The Department for Transport said a new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61 billion. Up to 77,000 additional local jobs are expected to be created over the next 14 years and the airport has committed to create 5,000 new apprenticeships over the same period, it said.
The DfT pledged “a world class package of compensation and mitigation measures for local communities”.The DfT pledged “a world class package of compensation and mitigation measures for local communities”.
11.30am BST11.30am BST
11:3011:30
Government confirms decision to back Heathrow expansion
We now have official government confirmation:We now have official government confirmation:
Govt confirms it is backing third runway at Heathrow – "the first full length runway in the south-east since the second world war"Govt confirms it is backing third runway at Heathrow – "the first full length runway in the south-east since the second world war"
Updated
at 11.54am BST
11.29am BST11.29am BST
11:2911:29
It looks like we will be waiting at least until this evening for Zac Goldsmith’s promised resignation in the event that a third runway at Heathrow was given the go ahead.It looks like we will be waiting at least until this evening for Zac Goldsmith’s promised resignation in the event that a third runway at Heathrow was given the go ahead.
Zac Goldsmith latest: no immediate resignation this afternoon, speaking to constituents first. Statement this evening.Zac Goldsmith latest: no immediate resignation this afternoon, speaking to constituents first. Statement this evening.
11.27am BST11.27am BST
11:2711:27
A Labour source said:A Labour source said:
Seems the way the country is finding out about the decision on Heathrow is through a series of leaks - sums up the government’s disregard for those affected.Seems the way the country is finding out about the decision on Heathrow is through a series of leaks - sums up the government’s disregard for those affected.
11.23am BST11.23am BST
11:2311:23
Other cabinet members have also been responding to the apparent choice of Heathrow:Other cabinet members have also been responding to the apparent choice of Heathrow:
Liz Truss nods to camera when she's asked if it's a good decision on Heathrow.. Others, including expansion fan Sajid Javid, poker faced.Liz Truss nods to camera when she's asked if it's a good decision on Heathrow.. Others, including expansion fan Sajid Javid, poker faced.
Greg Clark, communities secretary, smiles and nods when he's asked if Heathrow is a good decisionGreg Clark, communities secretary, smiles and nods when he's asked if Heathrow is a good decision
11.21am BST11.21am BST
11:2111:21
Boris Johnson appears to have confirmed the decision, leaving Number 10:Boris Johnson appears to have confirmed the decision, leaving Number 10:
Boris Johnson leaving cabinet. Will you continue to oppose Heathrow ?"Yes"Boris Johnson leaving cabinet. Will you continue to oppose Heathrow ?"Yes"
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.37am BSTat 11.37am BST
11.14am BST11.14am BST
11:1411:14
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
A decision that a third runway will be built at Heathrow paves the way for hundreds of thousands more flights a year at the London airport.A decision that a third runway will be built at Heathrow paves the way for hundreds of thousands more flights a year at the London airport.
In the long-awaited response, the government looks as if it has endorsed the recommendation of the Airports Commission to expand Heathrow rather than Gatwick airport, which had hoped to build a second runway.In the long-awaited response, the government looks as if it has endorsed the recommendation of the Airports Commission to expand Heathrow rather than Gatwick airport, which had hoped to build a second runway.
The move comes six years after the Conservative-led coalition scrapped previous plans for a third runway at Heathrow.The move comes six years after the Conservative-led coalition scrapped previous plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
The decision to grow Heathrow will be voted on by parliament in 2017 or 2018. Under the airport’s proposed scheme, an additional runway and a sixth terminal will be built to the northwest of the existing airport perimeter at a cost of £17.6bn, demolishing the nearby village of Harmondsworth.The decision to grow Heathrow will be voted on by parliament in 2017 or 2018. Under the airport’s proposed scheme, an additional runway and a sixth terminal will be built to the northwest of the existing airport perimeter at a cost of £17.6bn, demolishing the nearby village of Harmondsworth.
Widespread protests and legal challenges are expected to follow the decision, with campaigners expected to focus on air quality, noise and Britain’s climate change commitments. The runway, which could be built by 2025, would mean almost 50% more planes over London, bringing new neighbourhoods under the flightpath.Widespread protests and legal challenges are expected to follow the decision, with campaigners expected to focus on air quality, noise and Britain’s climate change commitments. The runway, which could be built by 2025, would mean almost 50% more planes over London, bringing new neighbourhoods under the flightpath.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.20am BSTat 11.20am BST
11.13am BST11.13am BST
11:1311:13
John Stewart, chair of the campaign group HACAN, which has been fighting a third runway at Heathrow, said:John Stewart, chair of the campaign group HACAN, which has been fighting a third runway at Heathrow, said:
As expected, permission for a new runway has been made dependent on certain legal conditions being met. HACAN will fight for the implementation of these measures whether we get a third runway or Heathrow ultimately remains a two runway airport.As expected, permission for a new runway has been made dependent on certain legal conditions being met. HACAN will fight for the implementation of these measures whether we get a third runway or Heathrow ultimately remains a two runway airport.
Countless residents will be dismayed and distraught by this decision. Some will lose their homes. Some face the daunting prospect of living under a noisy flight path for the first time. And many others will get yet more planes over their heads. But real doubts must remain whether this new runway will ever see the light of day. The hurdles it faces remain: costs, noise, air pollution and widespread opposition including an expected legal challenge from the local authorities.Countless residents will be dismayed and distraught by this decision. Some will lose their homes. Some face the daunting prospect of living under a noisy flight path for the first time. And many others will get yet more planes over their heads. But real doubts must remain whether this new runway will ever see the light of day. The hurdles it faces remain: costs, noise, air pollution and widespread opposition including an expected legal challenge from the local authorities.
11.07am BST11.07am BST
11:0711:07
Heathrow third runway approved, campaigner saysHeathrow third runway approved, campaigner says
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
John Stewart, one of the leading campaigners against a third runway at Heathrow, has said that the decision has been made with “legal conditions” that the airport will have to meet.John Stewart, one of the leading campaigners against a third runway at Heathrow, has said that the decision has been made with “legal conditions” that the airport will have to meet.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.08am BSTat 11.08am BST