Brown poised to face down Heathrow opposition
of a third runway at Heathrow.
to publicly announce the go-ahead for the airport’s expansion.
the New Year.
last-minute lobbying from Cabinet ministers. An announcement could be made as
early as next week.
understood to be in favour.
on the issue.
employment in Britain during the recession. The Conservatives are opposed to
the third runway and Labour believes that the issue is an important "dividing
line" between the parties.
on pollution and noise. Future promises to build new high-speed rail links may
also be made to win over Labour opposition.
Labour faction" that is trying to block the expansion. However, ministers are
unlikely to resign in protest at a decision to allow the third runway.
case from the business community – including the CBI, the British Chambers of
Commerce, London First, the TUC and individual unions.
the airport was ‘vital’ or ‘very important.’ 85% said a 3rd runway was either
‘important’ or ‘very important’ to their business. [This was an OEF survey, in
December 2007 – link ].
Commons, but Mr Brown has the power to approve the project without MPs backing
if necessary.
of jobs dependent on Heathrow and if it began to lose its role as a major hub
that employment would be threatened. He would ensure that all climate change emissions
targets are fulfilled.
as one of the world’s key international airports. If expansion was not agreed
then it could slip behind other European airports as a vital "hub" he will say.
those are likely to be in the construction industry helped by projects like Heathrow.
no difference to them
95% said it would make little or no difference. In contrast, 23% of businesses
believe they will be helped by a new high-speed rail line to the North, as proposed
by David Cameron. This proves how wrong the Government is to say that British
business is crying out for Heathrow expansion. In fact, only a tiny proportion
of businesses stand to benefit. 5.12.2008