MPs, mayor and residents object to Heathrow plans

There has been mixed reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing the government is supporting plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport

Residents and MPs have criticised a government announcement that it would be backing plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday that expanding Heathrow was "badly needed" and could create up to 100,000 jobs.

But The Lib Dem MP for Esher and Walton, Monica Harding, said the runway would have "a profound impact" on residents, while Brighton Pavilion' Green MP, Sian Berry, called the plans "reckless".

The government said it would issue a full assessment of any expansion plans through the Airports National Policy Statement.

A third runway would bring in hundreds of thousands of extra flights to the west London airport each year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

The government said the runway would nearly double the amount of freight coming through the airport each year and help UK businesses to reach new destinations, which would help to grow the economy.

But opponents, including the London Mayor's office, MPs and campaign groups, argue it raises "serious environmental and health concerns".

Rachel Reeves announced her support as part of plans to get the UK's economy growing

The Liberal Democrats said in a statement that research from University College London showed people living near Heathrow were at greater risk of heart disease, strokes and mental health issues, and the third runway would only make this worse.

"The impact on human health can not be underestimated," the statement read.

More locally, campaigners from Stanwell Moor, a village at the end of Heathrow's southern runway, said they would be preparing a list of demands "that put residents first".

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK, meanwhile, has praised the Chancellor's announcement, though stressed the importance of prioritising environmental concerns.

The government has been contacted for a comment.