Leaders Cite Environmental Concerns As A Potential Stumbling Block

A third runway at Heathrow Airport may be losing support from the Labor Party because of environmental concerns, according to a report from The Financial Times.

While Labor has acknowledged the need for the third runway, questions are now arising about pollution and a reduction in air quality from the expected increase in operations at Heathrow after the runway is built. Party sources told the paper that Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn is a likely "no" vote on the runway when it happens, likely in 2018. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell is also against the third runway, according to the report relayed by Buying Business Travel.

A Labor source told the Financial Times that to win the support of party leaders, it has to pass certain litmus tests. And "no one here expects that to be likely."

Meanwhile some members of the Conservative cabinet are also strongly opposed to the Heathrow expansion. They include foreign secretary Boris Johnson, the former Mayor of London who backed a proposal for a floating airport in the Thames Estuary to expand airport capacity in the U.K.

If both Labor and the Conservatives are opposed, the minority government of Theresa May will have to build a coalition from other parties in order to get enough votes to pass the Heathrow expansion.

(Image from file)

FMI: your.heathrow.com/takingbritainfurther