Labour announces it does not back third Heathrow runway - but will let its MPs back it
2 min read
Labour has come out in opposition to a third runway at Heathrow airport - but will not order its MPs to block the plans.
The party said the four tests it had laid down in return for backing the project had not been met by the Government's proposals.
However, Labour MPs will not be whipped to oppose the scheme when it is voted on in the Commons next Monday - meaning it is certain to be approved.
After years of delay, the Government earlier this month decided to support proposals to build a third runway at Heathrow - but MPs still need to give the green light before work can begin.
The four Labour tests were for increased capacity; the meeting of CO2 reduction commitments by the party; to minimise noise and the local environmental impact; and for the expansion to benefit the whole of the UK.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has been a long-standing opponent of the expansion, as his Hayes and Harlington constituency is under the Heathrow flight path.
But the party reportedly came under pressure from trade unions - including the all-powerful Unite - not to whip MPs against the proposals.
Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald said the decision not to back the plans came after “careful and rigorous consideration” against the four tests.
“Heathrow expansion is incompatible with our environmental and climate change obligations and cannot be achieved without unacceptable impacts on local residents,” he said.
“The improved connectivity to the regions of the UK cannot be guaranteed and there are unanswered questions on the costs to the public purse and the deliverability of the project.
“We support vital investment in our country’s transport infrastructure, but every investment must be tested on whether it provides real value for money and sustainability. A third runway at Heathrow fails this test.”
TORY WHIP
Theresa May meanwhile has imposed a three-line whip on Tory MPs to back Heathrow expansion, but has allowed Cabinet ministers to dissent from official policy when talking to local press.
It means Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson - a longstanding opponent of Heathrow expansion - has a free card to sound off about the plans.
But according to the Sun, the vote has been timed to coincide with an overseas visit to spare him embarrassment.
He will be at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg as the parliamentary showdown takes place.
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