The Conservatives have pledged to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport, despite concerns raised by two of the party’s candidates hoping to become the next mayor of London.
Shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith threw his support behind the scheme during a speech at the Conservative Party conference, pledging to end what the party has called the “embarrassment” of the long-running dispute over a third runway.
Political divide over expansion
The political divide over Heathrow expansion has centred on attempts to balance national economic growth with concerns about its climate and environmental impact.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has taken a cautious approach to the project, refusing to say whether he supports it and instead stressing the importance of “local voices” being heard.
But Mr Griffith used his conference speech to make clear that a future Conservative government would back the runway and take action to overcome obstacles to its construction.
Mayoral hopefuls split
However, Sir James Cleverly MP, a Conservative hopeful in the upcoming mayoral race, appears to take a different position from his party. He has previously said that he has “always been very sceptical” about the “quick fix arguments” put forward by supporters of the runway.
Mr Cleverly said his priority was ensuring “the needs of Londoners are put forward first, particularly those in west London,” and has arranged meetings with both Heathrow and community.
Fellow candidate Andrew Boff has also criticised the proposal, describing it as “the most unambitious scheme”. Mr Boff said: “We want something that's going to solve the air travel problems of London for hundreds of years ahead, not just until the next crisis.”
Support and legislation
However, Alex Challoner and Festus Akinbusoye backed the plans. “I've been very clear about this. I am in support of London Heathrow Airport and I would welcome a third runway at Heathrow,” Mr Challoner said.
Mr Akinbusoye said described Heathrow as “a very central part of the wider infrastructure network that we have in Britain.”
The Conservatives have criticised the Prime Minister’s caution as a lack of leadership and pledged to introduce legislation aimed at removing planning barriers.
“The next Conservative government will do whatever it takes to end the delays and boost capacity by backing the third runway. We are all in for growth and will legislate to sweep away the blockers,” Mr Griffith said.
He told the Tory conference in Birmingham: “What used to be the world's busiest airport is no longer even Europe's. The Prime Minister says he wants growth in every postcode. Well not the Heathrow postcode, apparently, that's not leadership. So let me be clear, the next Conservative government will do whatever it takes to end the delays and boost capacity by backing the third runway.”
The prime minister described the Heathrow expansion as a “contested” subject and one which was a “matter for London”. The PM said: “I think it’s right that we hear what people have said through the consultation and then consider the way forward from there.”
Mr Burnham has previously expressed doubts on the project, arguing it will divert much-needed development funds from the North.
The new runway would increase the west London airport’s capacity to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers a year.
