Completion Not Expected Until 2019 At The Earliest
Despite
strong opposition from environmental groups, the British government
gave approval last week for the construction of a third runway at
London's Heathrow Airport. Although the project won't be completed
until 2019, officials state the move to increase capacity is
necessary to compete as a major European destination.
Speaking before Parliament, British Transport Secretary Geoff
Hoon said, "Doing nothing at Heathrow would allow extra capacity at
other hub airports like Frankfurt and Schiphol (Amsterdam) and
Charles de Gaulle (Paris). Doing nothing will damage our economy
and have no impact whatsoever on climate change."
Hoon said advancements in aircraft technology will effect an
overall reduction in noise levels and pollution, even with the
third runway. But one aspect of the project that has drawn huge
opposition is the necessary demolition of residential areas to
clear an area for expansion.
Councilor Ray Puddifoot, whose borough of Hillingdon includes
the areas to be razed, said, "It is devastating for the people that
live there, for the homes, the jobs, for the schools. It's an
immense decision, a totally unnecessary decision. This is (Prime
Minister) Gordon Brown sucking up to business, and he's doing it at
the expense of people, and at the expense of the environment."
Numerous detractors of the project have vowed to fight it in
court, including London Mayor Boris Johnson, more than 40
parliamentarians, and the environmental group Greenpeace.
CNN reports Greenpeace bought up a tract of land in the intended
expansion area, and announced a plan to divide it into tiny
portions to be sold to supporters worldwide, slowing down the
project with a log jam of legal challenges.
As ANN reported, Unite union members have
supported the third runway, arguing that it will mean increased job
security for current airport workers and new jobs for thousands
more.
Joint general secretary Derek Simpson said, "There can be no
further delay in the modernization of Heathrow, the UK's only
international hub airport. Heathrow should be the jewel in our
crown but it is falling behind world class standards.
"We know that the expansion of Heathrow is not an easy decision.
People are concerned for the environment and their quality of life.
But we sincerely believe that Heathrow's modernization is the only
way to reduce aircraft emissions and cut disruption."