Press Release

21/5/13 for immediate use

Referendum results: overwhelming opposition to Heathrow expansion in West London

Over 70% of people in Richmond, Hillingdon and Hounslow have voted against expansion at Heathrow in polls conducted by the three London boroughs.  Over the last few weeks people have voted in official referenda carried out by Hillingdon and Richmond and, in Hounslow, completed a questionnaire sent out to every household in the borough.  Hounslow also asked about attitudes to night flights.  83% of people want them to be banned.

The detailed results show that in all three boroughs 72% of residents opposed further expansion of Heathrow.

John Stewart, chair of the campaign group HACAN, said, “These results send a strong, simple message.  Any Government which tried to expand Heathrow would face considerable opposition.”

ENDS

For further information:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650

Press Release

3/5/13 for immediate use

Leaked documents reveal Heathrow Airport looking at 12 options for new runways

Leaked documents reveal that Heathrow Airport, formerly known as BAA, has been looking at twelve possible options for a third runway or a new airport.  The documents show that the options Heathrow has considered include a four-runway airport at White Waltham in Berkshire, near Maidenhead and Bracknell, or at Haddenham in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, about 15 miles from Oxford, one extra runway to the east and another to the west, or four runways slightly to the west of the airport which would involve tunnelling the M25, filling in a local reservoir and using the existing terminals.

John Stewart, chair of HACAN, the campaign group which represents residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said “Nobody expected Heathrow would be looking so far afield. It must mean they don’t feel at all confident of being able to win the argument about expanding the existing airport.  From confidently proposing a 3^rd runway ten years ago Heathrow Airport has been reduced to scrabbling around for a proposal that will look acceptable to local people.”

Heathrow Airport is expected to put forward its final proposal to the Airports Commission by 19^th July.  The Airports Commission was set up by the Government to look at whether extra runway capacity is required in London and the South East.  It will produce an interim report at the end of this year, with its final report being published in summer 2015.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

(1).  http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/create-new-super-airport-or-double-size-of-heathrow-8602549.html

For further information:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650

A major report released today by the London Assembly questions the need for new airport capacity, even at Heathrow.  The in-depth study by the Assembly Transport Committee, Airport Capacity in London, has found thatairport capacity in London is currently underused with some London airports having more than half of their runway slots free.  Even Heathrow – at 99 per cent runway capacity – might potentially fly an additional 20 million passengers every year if larger aircraft were used.  Research commissioned by the Assembly found that at Stansted Airport 47 per cent of runway slots are available; at Luton Airport 51 per are available; with12 per cent currently available at Gatwick.

The report also questions the need for more hub capacity in London, whether it is new runways at Heathrow or a brand new airport in the Estuary.  Its research shows that seventy-five per cent of flights from Heathrow, the UK’s only major international hub airport, are short haul and London remains the best-connected city in Europe to the world’s 23 fastest-growing economies.

Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the Transport Committee, said: “Evidence we received shows that the Airport Commission must examine whether better use of existing airport capacity could be an intelligent cost-effective alternative to building new airports or runways”.

John Stewart, the chair of HACAN, representing residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said, “The findings of this report are hugely significant.  They put a gigantic question mark against the need for any more runways in London and the South East.

ENDS

For more information:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641; 07957385650

Airport Capacity in London

The Transport Committee’s report, Airport Capacity in London, was a result of an in-depth investigation involving airlines, environmentalists, business leaders and other aviation experts. The report suggests existing airport capacity in London, including at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, could be used more effectively.

Research commissioned for the London Assembly showed:

• Stansted Airport: 47 per cent of runway slots are available
• Luton Airport: 51 per cent of runway slots are available
• Gatwick Airport: 12 per cent of runway slots are currently available
• Heathrow Airport: at 99 per cent capacity, Heathrow’s runway capacity is nearly full, but some evidence submitted suggests increasing aircraft size would allow it to increase capacity

The report also shows improving transport access from central London to Gatwick, Luton and Stansted couyld encourage them to move to another airport. Stansted Airport Ltd suggested that it could attract 1.5 million more passengers per year if the rail journey time from London was reduced from 45 to 30 minutes.

The report also feeds into the debate on need for a hub airport. 127 million people used London’s airports in 2010 and most, including those using Heathrow, flew direct – point to point – to their destinations (78 per cent) rather than use the airports to transfer, which may question arguments for the need for an additional hub airport to boost London’s economy. Seventy-five per cent of flights from Heathrow, the UK’s only major international hub airport, are short haul and London remains the best connected European city across the 23 fastest growing economies.

In addition, runway constraints at Heathrow and other airports might not be the reason for fewer flights to emerging economies, but – as new evidence commissioned for the report shows – postcode preferences by local passengers

The Transport Committee’s findings will be submitted to the Government’s independent Airports Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies.  

The Committee identifies the following specific issues for the Commission to address:

• In its interim report on future aviation needs, the Airports Commission should set out how it has taken into account the importance of local demand in determining how airlines use airport capacity.
• In its interim report, the Airports Commission should show how existing airport capacity in London should be used more effectively including at Heathrow.
• If the Airports Commission finds that there is a need to increase airport capacity, it should rule out the expansion of Heathrow airport as an option.

25/4/2013 for immediate use

Boris Tops the Bill at Mega-Rally Rally against Heathrow Expansion

Justine Greening makes first speech on Heathrow since being moved from Department for Transport

Saturday 27^th April, 9.30-10.30am

Barn Elms Playing Fields

Queen Elizabeth Walk, London, SW13 9SA

Thousands are expected to attend what has been billed as a Mega Rally against Heathrow Expansion on Saturday 27^th April.  The cross-party rally, organized Zac Goldsmith MP and Richmond Council, will feature the London Mayor Boris Johnson and Putney MP Justine Greening, making her first speech on Heathrow since she was moved from her job as Secretary of State for Transport last September because, it is thought, of her steadfast opposition to expansion of the airport.  Amongst the other speakers will be the Business Secretary Vince Cable, Labour MP Andy Slaughter, London Assembly member Tony Arbour and the chair of HACAN John Stewart.

John Stewart said: “The line-up of speakers shows the strength of political opposition there is to Heathrow expansion.  Heathrow Airport and its allies may still be pushing for a third runway but their task is looking more impossible with every passing day.  Politicians and the people of London are united against even the thought of expansion”.

Zac Goldsmith said, “This rally is an opportunity for everyone living under the Heathrow flight path to come together and make clear their opposition to further expansion. We have done so in previous campaigns, and we will keep doing it until this Government gets the message. I want Ministers to be left in no doubt that if they give expansion a greenlight, they will face a campaign on a truly massive scale.”

ENDS

For further information:

John Stewart:  0207 737 6641; 07957385650  

Friends of the Earth press release

Embargo: For immediate release, Wednesday 24 April 2013

Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth London Campaigner – 07884 003107

Neil Verlander, Friends of the Earth press office – 020 7566 1649

HIGH COURT ASKED TO INVESTIGATE ‘FLAWED’ THAMES ROAD CROSSING CONSULTATION

Friends of the Earth has asked the High Court to judicially review Transport for London’s consultation process over its controversial plans to build two new River Thames road crossings, the environment charity said today (Wednesday 24 April 2003).

Transport for London (TfL) is planning to build two new Thames crossings for vehicles - a 4-lane tunnel by the Blackwall Tunnel, and a ferry, bridge or tunnel at Gallion’s Reach.

But Friends of the Earth says the consultation was flawed because the process it followed was unfair. In particular:

·         TfL published a document late in the process without allowing adequate time to respond to it. This revealed TfL had considered different strategic options including non-road building ones;

·         TfL failed to give adequate reasons for the options it was consulting on nor did it invite views on how it had selected those, or rejected others.

Friends of the Earth’s London Campaigner Jenny Bates said:

“We believe Transport for London’s consultation was flawed and unfair, so we’ve asked the High Court to intervene.

“More traffic from the Mayor’s controversial river crossings would have a damaging impact on the health and environment of local people - communities must be given a proper chance to comment on these plans.

“Air quality in London kills thousands of people each year, mainly because of vehicle pollution – Boris Johnson should be doing more to tackle this national scandal, instead of increasing traffic with new Thames vehicle crossings.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.    Friends of the Earth filed papers requesting a Judicial Review earlier this month.

2.    If successful a Judicial Review could quash the recent consultation and force a new one to take place based on the new documentation, allowing people to comment on TfL’s reasoning for rejecting non-road options.

3.    Transport for London’s recent river crossings consultation: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings/consultation

and Friends of the Earth’s response:

http://stopcityairportmasterplan.tumblr.com/post/44616122230/friends-of-the-earth-river-crossings-response

4.    London Air’s website shows NO2 air pollution already exceeds EU legal limits all around the area of the proposed river crossings: http://www.londonair.org.uk/london/asp/publicstats.asp?statyear=2012 A GLA study revealed 4,267 deaths were attributable to long-term exposure to particle air pollution in 2008:

http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Health_Study_%20Report.pdf

5.    The Kings College London EXHALE project is studying the effect of air pollution on the developing lungs of children in East London:

http://www.erg.kcl.ac.uk/ResearchProjects/Exhale/Default.aspxDeptID=ResearchProjects&CategoryID=ResearchProjectsExhale

While the Mayor’s Environment Advisor has said that school children may have to be kept indoors when air pollution is bad: http://www.healthyair.org.uk/mayors-office-keep-children-out-of-the-playground-when-air-pollution-is-bad/

6.    Boris Johnson previously scrapped the Thames Gateway road bridge (TGB) at Gallions Reach, after the Inspector at the Public Inquiry found it unacceptable to worsen air pollution where it was already a problem: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/thames_gateway_road_bridge_06112008.html

7.    For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.

Gatwick Airport - Aviation Connectivity and the Economy Paper - 18 Apr 13

23/4/13 for immediate use 

Cross-party support for new reports that explodes myths about need for Heathrow expansion

Over 70 people packed into committee room 9 of the House of Commons yesterday for the launch of a major new report from CE Delft which argued that airport expansion is not needed to improve the UK’s business connections with the rest of the world.  The report was commissioned from the Dutch consultants by WWF, RSPB and HACAN (1).

At the launch, hosted by Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith, there was cross-party support for the report.  Conservative MP Mark Reckless praised the honesty of the CE Delft and argued that, instead of looking for mega new runways and airports, the Government should let the market decide if new routes were needed to improve the UK’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

Murad Qureshi, the Labour chair of the London Assembly’s Environment Committee and Baroness Susan Kramer, part of the Liberal Democrat Treasury team, also spoke in support of the report.  Mary Macleod, the Conservative MP for Brentford and Isleworth, welcomed the report.

HACAN Chair John Stewart said, “We welcome the cross-party support for this report.  It really does explode the myth that further expansion at Heathrow is needed to improve our links with the expanding economies of places like China and India.”

Notes for Editors:

(1). The full report: http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/economics_of_airport_expansion_march_2013.pdf 

For further information:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641; 07957385650

Major new aviation report argues “claims about the economic benefits of connectivity are not founded on solid evidence”

  A major new report, launched today in the House of Commons, challenges the view that improved international air connectivity will necessarily bring significant benefits to the UK economy (1). The report by the independent Dutch consultants CE Delft, and commissioned jointly by WWF, RSPB and the Heathrow campaign group HACAN, argues that “claims about the economic benefits of connectivity are not founded on solid evidence.”

The report was launched at packed meeting hosted byZac Goldsmith MP.The speakers included Jasper Faber from CE Delft, the main author of the report.

The report is timely.  The Airports Commission, set up by the Government under Sir Howard Davies, has been charged with looking at whether the UK, and London and the South East in particular, requires additional airport capacity in order for the UK to maintain its first rate international links over the coming decades.  At present it is actively “seeking evidence on aviation connectivity (2).”

CE Delft concluded: “many studies find a positive correlation between aviation and economic growth, but no causal relationship between connectivity and economic growth was found”.  Their analysis of the evidence shows that increasing connectivity is less beneficial for developed countries than for developing economies.  They also found that extra connectivity in cities that are already well-connected, like London, does not necessarily deliver measurable or substantial economic benefits.

The report also challenges the way that the costs and benefits of airport expansion have traditionally been measured. It points out gaps in the Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) which should “provide an overview of current and future pros and cons of a particular project for society as a whole (public, private sector and government) as objectively as possible.” It argues that the DfT’s current Cost-Benefit Analysis method still omits key social or environmental costs, resulting in an overestimation of economic benefits. 

There are also enormous uncertainties in CBA work as it must predict future demands and costs. For example, the Department for Transport estimated that Heathrow expansion would produce £5 billion in economic benefits but when the New Economics Foundation re-ran their figures using different predictions for growth and oil prices but the same models they found that Heathrow expansion would result in a £5 billion loss (3).  

This report also looks at some of the economic arguments being used by proponents of airport expansion and finds them to be miscalculated and exaggerated, distorting the aviation debate (4).

RSPB economist Adam Dutton said, “This report highlights the uncertainty surrounding the economic benefits of aviation expansion. New airport infrastructure could destroy internationally important and increasingly scarce habitat, such as that found in Thames estuary, and jeopardise the UK’s legally binding greenhouse gas emissions targets, all for uncertain economic benefit and a net loss to society. More specifically, this report urges caution about automatically linking improved connectivity with economic performance. While some base level of connectivity is important for any economy, this report demonstrates that the benefits of extra connectivity in a city as well connected as London are doubtful and difficult to demonstrate with certainty”.

Jean Leston, head of transport policy at WWF, said, “The methods for assessing the benefits and costs of new runways and airports are hopelessly inadequate and open to gross manipulation.  CE Delft has instilled a dose of reality into the airports debate.  We hope that the Airports Commission and the Department for Transport will adopt the better SCBA methodology and require development proposals to do the same.”     

HACAN Chair John Stewart said, “This report could not be more timely.  It comes just as the Airports Commission is asking the hard questions about airport capacity and connectivity.  And its message is clear:  new runways may not be nearly as important for our economy as is commonly assumed.” 

ENDS

 Notes to editors:

 1.    Copies of the report, Aviation Policy Development Framework, will be available at the launch and on http://wwf.org.uk/airporteconomics

 2.    Airports Commission seeks evidence on aviation connectivity: http://www.gov.uk/government/news/airports-commission-seeks-evidence-on-aviation-connectivity    

 3.    NEF: Grounded: A new approach to evaluating Runway 3:  www.neweconomics.org/publications/grounded      

 4.    Economic arguments that were scrutinized include those by Frontier Economics, Oxford Economics, as well as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), all were found to be faulty and misleading, based on an overestimation of economic benefits, false comparisons or selective use of data.  

For more information:

 George Smeeton, Media Relations Manager WWF-UK

Tel: 01483 412 388, Mob: 07917 052 948, email: GSmeeton@wwf.org.uk

 John Stewart, Chair HACAN

Tel: 0207 737 6641; 07957385650m email: johnstewart2@btconnect.com

Nik Shelton, Media Officer, RSPB

  Tel: (01767) 693554; Mob: 07739 921464; email: nik.shelton@rspb.org.uk