Heathrow expansion would be “economic madness” say ClientEarth

ClientEarth have commented on the Transport Select Committee’s report in to airport expansion. They welcome the proposal that more work needs to be done to improve the air quality around Heathrow airport before any expansion work at the airport begins.

James Thornton, Chief Executive, said: “Air pollution is a major and unresolved concern for Heathrow and must be dealt with before any decision is made to go ahead. It would be economic madness to begin any pre-construction before resolving the crucial issue of air quality which is damaging the health of people living and working around Heathrow and further afield.

“Greater London already has illegal levels of air pollution, which the Supreme Court has ordered the Government to bring within legal limits as soon as possible.

“For once, we are in agreement with the Department for Transport – that more work on the environmental impacts, including air quality, is required before any work on any new runways can begin.”