Khan Opposes Heathrow Third Runway Over Climate And Transport Risks

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has formally opposed Heathrow Airport’s third-runway plans, saying the expansion threatens climate targets, air quality and transport networks, according to BBC. City Hall and Transport for London submitted a joint response to the government’s draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement consultation, arguing the case relies on outdated evidence and does not reflect current climate laws or travel habits. TfL said the draft policy could generate 60,000 extra daily highway trips, or 22 million more road journeys a year on the M4 and M25, and estimated surface-access upgrades could cost £9bn. It also said a 58% rise in flights would cut predictable noise respite for local residents from 50% to 25% of the day. Heathrow said the expansion is its “most important economic growth opportunity” and rejected claims it is incompatible with net zero, while the Department for Transport said ministers would consider all responses before setting out next steps later this year.