THE High Court in London has ruled against campaigners challenging the legality of Whitehall's decision to allow a third runway at Heathrow Airport, reports London's Air Cargo News.
'Although the government's policy on Heathrow has survived this court hearing, it is still not the right course for London or the environment,' said London Assembly Environment Committee chairwoman Caroline Russell.
Said a Heathrow official: 'We are delighted with today's ruling which is a further demonstration that the debate on Heathrow expansion has been had and won, not only in Parliament, but in the courts also.
'We are getting on with delivering the once-in-a-generation project that will connect Britain to global growth, providing thousands of new jobs and an economic boost for this country and its future generations.'
Last June 2018, MPs voted 415 to 119 in favour of a third runway. The decision, with a majority of 296, was the latest in a 50-year political saga for an additional runway, which could now operational by 2026 at an estimated cost of GBP14 billion (US$18.2 billion).
Yet more legal challenges are expected. Ms Russell cited 'an escalating climate emergency' and called on the government to cancel Heathrow expansion plans 'before more money is spent and more damage is done'.
Said London Assembly Transport Committee chairwoman Caroline Pidgeon: 'It is bitterly disappointing that the High Court has made this decision. The London Assembly has long been opposed to the expansion of Heathrow - all advice from the Assembly, protestors and experts seems to have fallen on deaf ears.'
British business welcomed the ruling. Tom Thackray, CBI Infrastructure and Energy Director, said: 'This clear ruling is another important step towards bringing 50 years of indecision and delay on expanding Heathrow to a welcome close.
'Firms know we can't wait any longer for the growth in trade we need to see if the UK is to remain a globally competitive economy,' he said.
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'Although the government's policy on Heathrow has survived this court hearing, it is still not the right course for London or the environment,' said London Assembly Environment Committee chairwoman Caroline Russell.
Said a Heathrow official: 'We are delighted with today's ruling which is a further demonstration that the debate on Heathrow expansion has been had and won, not only in Parliament, but in the courts also.
'We are getting on with delivering the once-in-a-generation project that will connect Britain to global growth, providing thousands of new jobs and an economic boost for this country and its future generations.'
Last June 2018, MPs voted 415 to 119 in favour of a third runway. The decision, with a majority of 296, was the latest in a 50-year political saga for an additional runway, which could now operational by 2026 at an estimated cost of GBP14 billion (US$18.2 billion).
Yet more legal challenges are expected. Ms Russell cited 'an escalating climate emergency' and called on the government to cancel Heathrow expansion plans 'before more money is spent and more damage is done'.
Said London Assembly Transport Committee chairwoman Caroline Pidgeon: 'It is bitterly disappointing that the High Court has made this decision. The London Assembly has long been opposed to the expansion of Heathrow - all advice from the Assembly, protestors and experts seems to have fallen on deaf ears.'
British business welcomed the ruling. Tom Thackray, CBI Infrastructure and Energy Director, said: 'This clear ruling is another important step towards bringing 50 years of indecision and delay on expanding Heathrow to a welcome close.
'Firms know we can't wait any longer for the growth in trade we need to see if the UK is to remain a globally competitive economy,' he said.
WORLD SHIPPING