Hillingdon Council Leader, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, has today (Tuesday 6 October) reiterated the council’s unwavering opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion proposals following the national Conservative Party’s announcement yesterday that it supports plans for a third runway.
Cllr Tuckwell said: “The council’s opposition to a third runway at Heathrow and its commitment to protect residents is resolute and has not changed.
“Opposition to Heathrow expansion remains the clear, longstanding, cross-party policy of Hillingdon Council, regardless of the position taken by the national Conservative Party.
“We support sustainable economic growth and recognise Heathrow's significant contribution to both the local and national economy. We want Hillingdon to be a place where businesses invest, good jobs are created and residents share in the benefits of prosperity.
“But growth cannot come at any cost. As Heathrow's host borough, we have a responsibility to stand up for our residents and communities. We will continue to make the strongest possible case against expansion while engaging constructively with Heathrow and government where it is in our residents' interests.
“For the communities living alongside Heathrow, expansion is not simply a high level national debate about infrastructure. Too often, the people who feel the greatest impact are overlooked.
“Our residents already live with the effects of the airport every day, on their homes, roads, environment and quality of life. They are the people who would be expected to carry the consequences of a third runway, and they deserve to be at the heart of this debate.
“Their concerns are real, legitimate and must be listened to. Any decisions about Heathrow’s future must properly recognise the impact on the communities who live alongside it.
“The national Conservative Party is entitled to set out its position. My responsibility as Leader of Hillingdon Council is equally clear: to put our residents first and represent their interests.
“That is exactly what I will continue to do.
“Hillingdon is open for business and supports investment, enterprise and economic growth. But that growth must be sustainable and work for our residents and communities, both today and for future generations.”
Find out more at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/heathrow-expansion