">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Heathrow expansion gets green light despite protests
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Search
Search:
Heathrow expansion gets green light despite protests
AFP - 1 hour 12 minutes ago
LONDON (AFP) - - The British government approved Thursday plans for a third runway at London's Heathrow airport, the world's busiest air hub, despite angry opposition from green groups and locals.
Geoff Hoon, Transport Secretary in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government, announced the move to the House of Commons to a furious reaction from lawmakers who, with campaigners, have formed a vocal alliance against the plan.
"Doing nothing would damage our economy and have no impact whatsoever on climate change," Hoon said, adding that additional capacity was "critical" to protect Britain's global economic competitiveness.
Opponents have pledged to fight every step of the way to stop it.
They say building a third runway, which would increase flights at Heathrow from around 480,000 to 700,000 a year, would fly in the face of government pledges to tackle climate change, as well as causing more noise and pollution.
Lawmaker John McDonnell of Brown's ruling Labour Party -- whose constituency includes Heathrow -- was suspended from the Commons for five days during debate on the news after picking up the mace, symbolic of Parliament's authority, and shouting: "It's a disgrace to the democracy of this country!"
Residents in the village of Sipson, where 700 homes will be bulldozed for the new runway, also reacted unhappily.
"I've just heard it from the radio. The people who make these decisions are liars and cowards. They haven't categorically said what's going to happen to us but they know," said Gerald Storr, a butcher in Sipson.
John Sauven, executive director of green campaign group Greenpeace, said the move would "shred the last vestiges of Brown's environmental credibility.
"An expanded Heathrow would become the single biggest emitter of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in Britain... we'll fight it every step of the way because the lives of millions of people depend on us all slashing carbon emissions," he added.
Greenpeace is trying to block the nine-billion-pound (10 billion euro, 13 billion dollar) project by buying a plot of land in the middle of the proposed runway site.
It has sold miniature parcels of the land to around 6,000 Britons opposed to the expansion in a bid to frustrate government efforts to buy it up through compulsory purchase.
Those in favour, including Brown and business leaders, say the expansion of congested Heathrow is vital to help London remain a leading business centre.
The project, which would include a sixth terminal and is due to be completed by 2020, will also create around 65,000 jobs at a time when Britain is on the brink of recession.
Brown said on a trip to Berlin: "It is always our desire to make sure we protect the economic future of the country while at the same time meeting the very tough environmental conditions... for both noise and pollution and climate change."
Employers' organisation the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says a third runway would generate wider economic benefits of around seven billion pounds per year.
"The case for giving Heathrow the capacity it will need for future growth is very strong, with the future prosperity of London and the wider UK economy depending on it," it said.
The chief executive of British Airways (BA), Willie Walsh, said the move would give Britain the chance to "start catching up" with other countries.
"The government has reached a balanced decision in the long-term interests of the whole country," he added. BA is the biggest airline at Heathrow.
More than 40 lawmakers from Brown's ruling Labour Party are opposed to the scheme and the main opposition Conservatives, who are ahead in the opinion polls, say they will scrap it if they win the next general election, to be held by mid-2010.
"Be in no doubt, this is a bleak day for our environment," said Conservative transport spokeswoman Theresa Villiers after the announcement.
"Labour's plans for a third runway at Heathrow would inflict devastating damage on the environment... and the Conservatives will fight them every step of the way."
In an apparent bid to cool criticism of the plan, Hoon said that the number of flights allowed to use the new runway would be half the original proposal and airlines would be encouraged to use greener planes.
He also announced the formation of a new company to consider the case for a new high speed rail link between London and Scotland.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Most Popular – Top Stories
Viewed
Global rush for 'best job in world' crashes Australian website
Hormone drives sexy women to infidelity, says study
JPMorgan chief says worst of the crisis still to come: FT
Microsoft considering 'significant' job cuts: WSJ
Barclays boss backs banks apology for credit crunch
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Other News on Thursday, 15 January 2009
Basra is focus of Shiite rivalry in southern Iraq
Bin Laden urges jihad against Israel
Merkel says stimulus package 'most difficult decision'
Google hawking "cloud" software to businesses
Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire plan: Spanish FM
Panama's Noriega fights U.S. extradition to France
| International
|
"You Light Up My Life" Composer Joseph Brooks Accused Of Sexual Assaults
World's second richest man gets Web name back for free
Iraq ratifies treaty banning chemical weapons
Italian police arrest Mafia boss: report
James Caan Sues Film Company Over Movie Deal
OPEC attempting to stablise oil prices: Saudi oil minister
Mexico narco junior teenagers kill drug rivals
| International
|
London stocks plunge over five percent
Japan company to sell voice-control toy helicopter
Gaza toll passes 1,000 as peace hopes rise
US retail sales plunge in disastrous December
Sudan army bombs Darfur rebels
| International
|
Indie film website Jaman launches in UK
Israeli envoy to bring truce proposal to Egypt
Poland unearths 1,800 bodies in WW2 mass grave
| International
|
High-speed Web can't rely on stimulus: Obama aide
Bolivia breaks Israel ties, claims Gaza 'genocide'
Hormone drives sexy women to infidelity, says study
Greece rescues 53 migrants in major sea operation
| International
|
NATO tightens Afghan rules to cut civilian deaths
| International
|
Bin Laden warns Obama of new fronts in global jihad
Nortel files for bankruptcy, shares plunge
| Technology
|
U.S. official says detainee tortured
Shortwave radio still packs an audible thrill
| Technology
|
China's FM visits Malawi after Taiwan snub
Saudi Arabia committed to oil market stability
China plans global media expansion: officials
High-speed Web can't rely on stimulus: Obama aide
| Technology
|
Conflicts, crackdowns mar 2008 Asian rights record: HRW
World's second richest man gets Web name back for free
| Technology
|
Mercy Relief completes 7 reconstruction projects for Sichuan quake victims
Obama Dines With Conservative Columnists Ahead Of Inauguration
US ambassador to China lauds ties
Indie film website Jaman launches in UK
| Technology
|
North East CDC raises economic assistance from S$1.4m to S$3m
Poll Finds Only 24% Of New York Voters Favor Caroline Kennedy For Senate Seat
Arkansas State Lawmaker Seeking More Transparancy In Higher Education Funding, Spending
U.S. Retail Sales Fall In December, Down In 2008
Public feedback sought on amendments to Medical Registration Act
North America's Largest Telephone Equipment Manufacturer Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Karaoke bar fire in South Korea kills 8, injures 1
Report: Iran signs oil deal with China
Iran and China sign oilfield development contract
American Idol debut audience slides
| Entertainment
|
Steve McQueen biopic in works: report
Steve McQueen biopic in works: report
Curtain comes down on famous London music venue
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W.D. Snodgrass dies
Random House, Inc. confirms additional layoffs
Unknown Woolard hits jackpot with 'Notorious'
Jennifer Hudson to sing at the Super Bowl
CBS: Deal close for John Mayer music-variety show
Swedish chef gets thumbs up from Paris food guide
SKoreans sell jewellery to survive economic slump: merchants
Sony Ericsson launches new mobile entertainment service
British flying car expedition to Timbuktu hits early hitch
Gaza toll passes 1,000 as Israeli raids continue
Hamas talks on Gaza truce, Israel to meet mediators
| International
|
AP IMPACT: Suicide spotlights troops' mental care
Barclays boss backs banks apology for credit crunch
Palestinian Gaza death toll rises above 1,000
Boost sees $50 unlimited plan battling Leap, Metro
Bin Laden urges jihad, slams Arab leaders over Gaza
| International
|
Spider-Man Creator To Unveil World's First Gay Superhero
Italy summons Brazilian ambassador over 'terrorist'
Apple chief Steve Jobs takes medical leave of absence
Iran concerned about new BBC Persian TV
U.N. in Lebanon urges restraint after rocket attack
| International
|
Iran's president urges Arabs to stop Israel
UK foreign minister urges rethink of war on terror
| International
|
Social network use by adult Americans on the rise: survey
Expect test from N.Korea, Bush aide advises Obama
| International
|
Shortwave radio still packs an audible thrill
Lebanon halts more rocket fire on Israel
Sudan detains opposition leader after Bashir remarks
| International
|
Report: Aborigines to suffer from climate change
Apple's Jobs warns health complex, shares tumble
| Technology
|
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,226
China quake parents want answers to ruined schools
Nortel files for bankruptcy, shares plunge
| Technology
|
Chill winds cool Chinese New Year migrant spirits
Bin Laden message not seen as threat to U.S.
Report: Aborigines to suffer from climate change
Boost sees $50 unlimited plan battling Leap, Metro
| Technology
|
US politicians debate Obama in Africa
Syria puts China on the spot
Federal Judge Orders Release Of Terror Detainee For Unreliable Evidence
Marvel Comics To Unveil World's First Gay Superhero
Apple CEO Steve Jobs To Take Months Of Medical Leave
Wall Street Tumbles On Retail Sales Report, Profit Warnings
Pentagon Report: 61 Former Guantanamo Detainees Have Returned To Terrorism
Kentucky Officials Resume Search For 2 Teen Duck Hunters Missing Since Boat Capsized Saturday
Japan machinery orders down 16.2 percent in November
S.Korea won down on gloomy growth view, U.S. data
Seoul shares fall after U.S. drop; autos tumble
S.Korea says may miss c.bank 2009 growth forecast
New Zealand house prices fall further in December
China's next export: Starbucks coffee
Jennifer Hudson to sing at Super Bowl
| Entertainment
|
Fantasy Island star Ricardo Montalban dies at 88
| Entertainment
|
Jeff Beck, Metallica to enter Rock Hall of Fame
| Entertainment
|
The Prisoner star Patrick McGoohan dead at 80
| Entertainment
|
World Bank To Provide $100 Million For Renewable Energy In Bangladesh
Ricardo Montalban dies at age 88
Apple's Steve Jobs Announces Medical Leave
'Prisoner' actor Patrick McGoohan dies in LA
Catholic family meeting circles wagons around traditional family
Run-DMC, Metallica lead list of 2009 Rock Hall
"American Idol" debut audience slides
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Jeff Beck, Metallica to enter Rock Hall of Fame
Ford, Fraser pair for film
"Fantasy Island" star Ricardo Montalban dies at 88
Jennifer Hudson to sing at Super Bowl
George Steel hired to lead New York City opera
Obama Attends Dinner Party With Conservative Columnists
South Korea nuclear envoys go to tough-talking North
| International
|
Russia and Ukraine may meet over gas dispute
Venezuela, Bolivia cut ties with Israel over Gaza
New Zealand thief nabbed after Facebook posting
Ethiopia withdraws last troops from Mogadishu
| International
|
Potted plants nod to lonely Japanese
Microsoft considering 'significant' job cuts: WSJ
Bin Laden urges jihad, slams Arab leaders over Gaza
| International
|
Google cuts recruiting staff as hiring slows
JPMorgan chief says worst of the crisis still to come: FT
Three Red Cross personnel kidnapped in Philippines
| International
|
Pakistan arrests over a dozen militants in Karachi
| International
|
Apple chief Steve Jobs takes medical leave of absence
Rio police show new face in battle-hardened slums
| International
|
Morocco tackles painful role in Spain's past
| International
|
Obama: Al-Qaeda remains 'number one threat' to US
China names 7 new revolutionary martyrs
Tortured 9/11 suspect may never be prosecuted: Pentagon official
Vietnam's top war hero takes anti-mining stance
Microsoft mulls job cuts: report
| Technology
|
Three ICRC workers kidnapped in Philippines
Hidden passengers could push Indonesian ferry toll above 300: officials
British Foreign Secretary to speak at Mumbai attack hotel
China gears up for New Year with travel warnings
Saudi Intel chief meets top Afghan officials
Ex-BART Officer Charged With Murder In New Year's Day Shooting
Seoul rejects NKorea's demand to search SKorea for nukes
Kellogg Warns Consumers Not To Eat Peanut Butter Snacks, Recalls Products From Stores
South Korea nuclear envoys go to tough-talking North
Bullet Hits School Bus, Injures 3 Students
Pakistan arrests over a dozen militants in Karachi
Plane Crashes Into North Carolina Home, None Seriously Harmed
Suspect In Massacre Of Oklahoma Family Arrested, Detained
Journalists Urged Not To Become "Lapdogs" For Obama
China's overseas investment up 63.6 percent in 2008: state media
Taiwan shares sink more than 4 percent
China's 2008 foreign investment up 23.6 percent
Sundance filmmakers laugh through gloomy times
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea NPS says to up bond buys further in 2009
Sanyo lowers fiscal year forecasts as sales fall
Whoopi Goldberg boldly goes back to sci-fi acting
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani c.bank sells 25 bln rupees of T-bills
Seoul shares close at 1-mth low; techs, banks fall
Heroes tribute an odd addition to comedy Web site
| Entertainment
|
S.Korean won ends down 3 pct at 5-wk closing low
Bank of China VP warns of fresh financial crisis
Indonesia to allow trawling despite overfishing fears
4 Afghan immigrants die after detention breakout
Winterbottom brings edgy documentary to Berlin
| Entertainment
|
All-French production of Debussy's 'Pelleas' shines in Vienna
Winterbottom brings edgy documentary to Berlin
Jackie Chan eyed for 'Karate Kid' remake
JPG Magazine may get new lease on life
Novel that inspired `The Class' due out in English
Whoopi Goldberg boldly goes back to sci-fi acting
Canada's gift to Obama: 49 songs
'Fantasy Island' star Ricardo Montalban dies at 88
UN suspends Gaza work as shells hit HQ
UN agency suspends operations in Gaza after building hit
Cartoonist chronicles military's Iraq odyssey
North Korea leader picks 3rd son as heir: media
| International
|
Russia and Ukraine PMs to meet for gas row talks
| International
|
SKorea opens clinic to chemically castrate sex offenders
Pakistan says 124 arrested in wake of Mumbai attacks
| International
|
Obama pledges to succeed where Bush failed on bin Laden
Hill says NKorea nuclear talks have made progress
North Korea leader picks third son as heir
Woo shows mastery of epic genre in 'Red Cliff II'
Philippine floods and slides kill 20
Pakistan detains dozens allegedly linked to Mumbai
Philippines bars 7 firms banned by World Bank
Tsonga's Aussie Open campaign in doubt after back injury
Report: NKorea's Kim taps 3rd son as successor
Bridge linking S’pore to Resorts World at Sentosa to open later this year
Illinois House Votes Again To Impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich
New York City To Rehab, Resell Foreclosed Homes To Stop Blight From Spreading
S’pore to host meeting of Asia—Pacific Judicial Reform Forum
Report: On Eve Of Obama's Inaugeration The Nation Is Moving Backward To Increasingly Segregated Schools
Murder rate rises in Japan but total crimes fall
President Bush To Give Farewell Address Thursday
2008 Foreclosures Exceed 3 Million, Breaks Record
Investment Adviser Who Allegedly Faked Own Death Charged For Crashing Plane
House Passes Bill Expanding Healthcare For Children
Moody's may downgrade S.Korean banks' ratings
Moody's may downgrade ratings of top SKorean banks
Sanyo cuts 1,200 jobs, lowers annual forecast
HK index falls 3.4 pct as HSBC plumbs decade low
Indian inflation falls for tenth straight week
FACTBOX-S.Korea state-run firms to sell shares in companies
Moody's says may downgrade S.Korean banks' ratings
Taiwan dollar at 1-mth closing low on fund outflows
Japan's Sanyo says to cut 1,200 jobs
China shares mixed amid global sell-off
Slumdog Millionaire leads BAFTA film nominations
| Entertainment
|
"Slumdog Millionaire" leads BAFTA film nominations
Sharon Osbourne wins libel damages from UK tabloid
Nominations for British Academy awards
Artist creates sensation by mocking EU nations
EU Czech presidency apologises to Bulgaria over crude art
'Slumdog Millionaire' leads nominations for BAFTAs
Ferguson tells TV critics to give Fallon a chance
China's fitness industry growing from strength to strength
Genetic testing: Do you really want to know?
Heroes tribute an odd addition to comedy Web site
Iran tells U.S. to change
Heathrow expansion gets green light despite protests
UK foreign minister urges war on terror rethink
| International
|
Salesforce expands "cloud computing" to customer support
UN suspends Gaza operations as shells smash into HQ
Airbus warns of 'horrible' year ahead, sees orders halved
Iran says U.S. administration must change approach
| International
|
Kutcher and Digg plan Sundance Internet reality show
Sharon Osbourne Wins Libel Suit Against U.K. Tabloid The Sun
Britain urges Europe to do more in Afghanistan
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
ECB cuts interest rates again to battle recession
Videogames offer cash rewards to sports fans
Dixie Chicks' Defamation Case Heads To A Federal Courtroom
ECB cuts its main lending rate 0.5 pt to 2.0%
Steve Jobs takes medical leave
Fantasy Island Star Ricardo Montalban Dies In His Beverly Hills Home
Obama pledges to succeed where Bush failed on bin Laden
"The Prisoner" Creator And Star Patrick McGoohan Dies At Age 80
Oscar Awards Keeping Presenters A Secret To Lure Viewers
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai reveals new bid to revive unity deal
Coalition calls for action on climate
Interior pick vows to wean nation off foreign oil
Heroes tribute odd addition to comedy website
| Technology
|