Key dates in Heathrow expansion saga
Key dates in Heathrow expansion saga
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give her support for the building of a third runway at Heathrow. Here is a timeline of key events in the long-running saga over expansion of the west London airport. – June 2001. It is reported that Labour ministers are “seriously considering” building a third runway at Heathrow in order to keep pace with other European airports.
– July 2002. The Labour Government sets out its UK airport expansion options, which include a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling says “doing nothing is not an option” because capacity will not meet demand. – December 2003.
The Government publishes a White Paper outlining plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow. – August 2007. Protesters opposed to the aviation industry and Heathrow expansion set up a Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of the airport.
– November 2007. The Labour Government outlines proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. The new runway could be in operation by 2020. – September 2008. The Opposition Conservative Party promises to scrap the planned third runway and opt instead for a high-speed rail network linking Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London.
– January 15 2009. Labour backs a third runway despite strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, neighbouring councils and its own backbenchers. The project gets the go-ahead after Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the needs of the economy and the environment have to be balanced.
