Time to change Heathrow runway policy, says Tim Yeo

A former Conservative environment minister is calling on the government to drop its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Tim Yeo, chairman of the energy and climate change committee, said new EU rules on aviation meant it would not lead to an increase in emissions.

The coalition scrapped Labour's plans for a third runway at Heathrow when it came to power.

It followed widespread opposition from councils, residents and green groups.

The coalition also ruled out any additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted.

A consultation on UK aviation policy is considering whether a new airport, partially built on reclaimed land in the Thames Estuary, could be feasible. That is also opposed by environmental groups and local councils.

'World class'

But Mr Yeo, who was a minister for countryside and environment in John Major's government, told BBC Two's Daily Politics: "I think it's more practical to build a third runway.

"I think the problem with a new airport is... the costs are enormous and probably unquantifiable, it's also in the wrong place. People don't live in the Thames estuary, they tend to live in west of London, north of London."

He said Britain must have a "world class transport infrastructure" if it was to be "a world class economy in the 21st Century".

"We've just got to be brave with the coalition partners and say: 'We want Britain to be in the premier league economically in the 2020s.' That means more airport capacity and particularly the hub."

Mr Yeo said new rules which required any airline that landed or took off within the EU to take part in its emissions trading scheme gave "cover for change in the coalition's position".

The new rule, which came into force in January, means that all airlines have to add up greenhouse gas emissions from flights that begin or end at EU airports, and must pay a small charge, or trade carbon permits on the EU emission trading scheme, if they exceed their allowance.

Mr Yeo said: "That means building another runway does not increase emissions because they are already subject to the EU cap. I believe this is the moment for the coalition to change its policy."

Business groups and trade unions have also recently urged the government to to support airport expansion, including at Heathrow, in an effort to boost the UK's economic recovery. Airport operator BAA has also launched a poster campaign on London's Tube.

But Transport Secretary Justine Greening has said she will not reconsider a third runway at Heathrow, and Labour has also said it is "off the agenda".

'Deceased'

Greenpeace campaigner Joss Garman said: "These tired arguments are now exhausted, with every aspect of the case for a third runway at Heathrow carefully dissected, examined, and declared deceased, along with the runway itself.

"Tim Yeo and the aviation industry need to wake up to the fact that this unpopular runway plan is now dead and buried. It's over."

In May 2010, the previous Labour government's plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow were scrapped when the coalition government took office.

BAA withdrew its plans for a second runway at Stansted at the same time, and any expansion of Gatwick before 2019 has also been ruled out.

The Conservatives and Lib Dems both opposed the third runway plan in opposition, preferring improved rail links instead.