Conservatives ‘will block Stansted runway’
23.02.10
Uttlesford MP Sir Alan Haselhurst has confirmed that the Conservative party will keep their promise and block any plans to build a new runway at Stansted Airport. In a statement yesterday the MP said that his party ‘will not approve the construction of a second runway.’
Airport owner BAA confirmed this month that is still committed to building the new runway, and an extra terminal. A public inquiry into the plans had been due to start last year, but has delayed to resolve ownership issues after BAA were told to sell three of its airports including Stansted amid fears of a monopoly. After the airports operator won an appeal against the sale order in December the inquiry was delayed again, and BAA was asked to confirm that it still wanted to press ahead with the plans. The company confirmed this.
Sir Alan said yesterday: ‘Business at the airport remains depressed but that does not alter the fact that the current owners have permission to use the existing runway to its full capacity - this could mean a doubling of passenger throughput. On the one hand this can be seen as a cross to bear by those communities most adjacent to flight paths. On the other, those who rely on the airport for jobs can be reassured.’
‘However, it cannot be said loudly and clearly enough that a Conservative Government will not approve the construction of a second runway. Will David Cameron keep his promise? Yes, because his passion to protect the environment leads him to believe that the growth of aviation has to be constrained.’
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