The decision today by the government to ask Heathrow to build a new runway has been welcomed by campaign group ‘Back Heathrow’ which represents over 100,000 local people who have been calling for growth and jobs with expansion for the past decade.
Parmjit Dhanda, Executive Director of Back Heathrow, said:
“This is an important moment for West London and the whole UK. Instead of just talking about growth and suggesting a new runway at Heathrow, the government has at last taken this big step to make it happen. We represent over 100,000 residents who have been pushing this project uphill for far too long. Our message to local and national politicians is a simple one. Well done, you’re listening. Now quickly deliver what you’ve promised and bring on the jobs!”
It has been forecast that a new runway will create over 100,000 new jobs and thousands of apprenticeships too. Along with 30 new flight routes and £12 billion worth of growth for the UK annually.
Local resident Oscar White from Hounslow said: “Like thousands of Back Heathrow supporters, I have been fortunate enough to work at Heathrow, alongside over 80,000 people. It’s the country’s biggest single site employer, and I want our next generation to have the same, or even more opportunities than my family have had. Local families rely on the airport for jobs. This is brilliant news. Although this time it needs to happen, we’re fed up of waiting.”
The government’s timetable for Heathrow expansion will see it granted full Planning Permission before the end of this Parliament, with aircraft taking off by 2035.
Back Heathrow represents the views of over 100,000 local residents, local businesses and trade unions who have joined the campaign for a new runway. The group was formed with the support of Heathrow Airport before the Davies Commission - which first made recommendations on Airport growth in 2015. Over 60,000 Back Heathrow supporters responded to the Davies Commission to show their support for a new runway. Over 50,000 of them live within 5 miles of the airport.
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Notes to editor: Image shows Back Heathrow supporters at a campaign rally