Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry has expressed his disappointment at the government’s decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.
Following years of debate Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced yesterday that the government is in favour of building a new runway at Heathrow, saying it was the ‘best post-Brexit’ option for the UK’s economy.
By doing so the government also rejected alternative plans to extend an existing runway at the airport or building a new runway at Gatwick.
Conservative MP, Mr Berry said there is ‘no doubt that the UK needs more airport capacity’ and was in favour of the Gatwick option.
He said: “It is clear to me that expansion at Heathrow is the worst option for my constituents in Kingston & Surbiton.
“Aircraft noise from a new flight path over Kingston and New Malden where there is none at present, and the additional road traffic associated with 200,000+ additional flights each year, will have a negative impact on local residents’ lives.
“It is my view that Heathrow is also the worst option for the UK, because Gatwick can be delivered more quickly and more cheaply while also boosting the economy.”
Now the government has decided on Heathrow there will be a public consultation and MPs will vote in 2017-18.
Mr Berry declared yesterday: “The final decision on Heathrow has not been taken today – it will be taken by Parliament in a vote – but the reality is that a large majority of MPs, across all parties, appear to favour a third runway at Heathrow.”
He added: “However, that will not stop me and my local Conservative colleagues putting the case for Gatwick over Heathrow and working to persuade other MPs to do the same.”
