Conservative group backs Heathrow expansion
22.01.10
The Conservative leader David Cameron's decision to oppose the expansion of Heathrow airport has been questioned in a report from a party think tank backed by Lord Heseltine. Mr Cameron has said that he will cancel Heathrow's third runway and spend the money instead on high-speed rail. However, a report by COnservative think tank the Bow Group says rail versus air is a ‘false debate’ and there is a need for extra capacity at Heathrow. Lord Heseltine, an adviser to Mr Cameron, even writes the report's foreword.
If elected, the Conservatives have pledged to overturn the Labour Government's decision to back a third Heathrow runway. Instead, the opposition is backing a high-speed rail link, initially running from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The Bow Group report also backs a high-speed rail network, but says it is essential it connects directly to Heathrow, rather than through a spur or loop line, to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
However, the Bow Group also argues high speed rail cannot be a substitute for further growth at Heathrow, as a new link will actually create demand for more flights from people wanting to take advantage of the better transport links. Even if all passengers on domestic flights switched to train journeys now, it says growing demand from international passengers mean that Heathrow would still be full within 10 years.
The report says: ‘Many commentators believe that a high-speed rail network is a substitute for extra runway at Heathrow. The reality is that they are complementary. The Bow Group believes that, by choosing to promote high-speed rail as an alternative to a third runway, the Conservative Party have inadvertently set up a false debate - that the choice is either between either a third runway or high-speed rail.'
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