Hillingdon Council firmly opposes Labour government's decision to back a third runway at Heathrow
Wednesday 29 January 2025: Following the announcement today (29 January) by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, that the government is inviting proposals for expansion by the summer, the council reaffirms its intention to robustly fight any plans, just as it did with Heathrow Airport Limited's previous proposals.
Expansion proposals at London City, Luton and Gatwick have all advanced with a combined increase in flights similar to a new airport. Expanding Heathrow on top of that would fill the skies over London, and beyond, and expose hundreds of thousands to harmful heath impacts and overwhelm an ageing public transport system.
The cost of services provided by the council to meet demand arising from the airport is already unfairly subsidised by Hillingdon residents and this would only worsen with a bigger airport.
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "It's hugely disappointing to see this destructive proposal back on the table once again and we will work with similarly minded local authorities and the Mayor of London to oppose these plans.
"The government's desperate pursuit of economic growth through a third runway will disproportionately benefit Heathrow's owners and I am confident that we will be able to show that the proposed economic benefits to the country are a mirage.
"As a borough we have fought the spectre of these proposals for more than 25 years and we'll continue fighting for as long as it takes to put our residents first."