Tom Levitt MP’s Column 19 January 2009
Posted by Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, at 19:48, Tue 20 January 2009:
This is my weekly column for 19 January 2009. You can find more about my work at www.tomlevitt.org.uk or by emailing me directly at tomlevittmp@parliament.uk, where priority is always given to emails from High Peak constituents.
Tom Levitt MP’s Column 19 January 2009 – Heathrow affects us all
The decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow affects us all; as an environmental scientist I find the argument in favour of it compelling. This is why I signed a motion supporting the project weeks before the Government’s recent announcement.
The Climate Change Act and including air transport in the European Emissions Trading System will ensure that the project will be tightly regulated. It will operate to the highest environmental standards.
The third runway will reduce the use of the operation of the original two from their current 98% of capacity. This will make them safer and more efficient, reducing unnecessary carbon emissions caused by the ‘stacking’ of aeroplanes coming in to land.
Modern planes are designed to be ever lighter and more fuel efficient. Within a few years they could be running on fuel from renewable sources.
There is a legitimate demand for air travel. If we do not provide the extra capacity someone else will. If the runway was rejected this would lead to more air traffic using Paris and Amsterdam and so not an ounce of carbon would be saved.
High speed rail is not an alternative to a third runway but must be built to complement it.
Although the Government supports the plan in principle it must now go to a properly constituted public enquiry. Projects like this, of national importance, deserve objective scrutiny. They should not be finally decided according to the political whim of the day.
Trade unions and the business community both recognise that a modern airport with tough environmental standards can benefit the whole country. Those who remember Ladybower dam being built know that sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the common good.
Do not let people tell you that this is a black and white issue. The greenest action is not always the obvious one.
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