Politicians to continue fight against third Heathrow runway
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has claimed the government’s plans are ‘undeliverable’ while Zac Goldsmith, a former candidate for London Mayor, has resigned as Conservative MP for North Kingston and Richmond Park in protest.
Goldsmith, who is a long-time opponent of Heathrow’s expansion plans, had previously pledged to trigger a by-election in his constituency and run as an independent candidate if the government approved a third runway.
Windsor and Maidenhead borough council, which lies close to the west London airport, has vowed to spend £50,000 to challenge the planned Heathrow expansion.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who announced the government’s decision yesterday, said: "It would be impossible to deliver a project like this without some people disagreeing with the strategy.
"We’ve taken a view that where people have direct constituency concerns and interests they should have the freedom to articulate those long-held views.
"But this is about taking the right decision for the United Kingdom."
Meanwhile Gatwick said it ‘stands ready’ to proceed with a second runway if the Heathrow plan fails.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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