Heathrow third runway causes outcry

Link to the article: Channel 4

Last Modified: 15 Jan 2009
By: Gary Gibbon, Tom Clarke

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon's approval for a third runway at Heathrow causes rowdy scenes in the Commons and outrage from environmentalists.

A controversial plan that still may never see the light of day; the government insisted that it was in the best interests of Britain, despite protests from residents and some Labour MPs.

The government says all planes using the third runway will have to meet strict noise and air pollution targets.

There is also the impact on the local community, with houses and schools having to be demolished to make way for the runway, which is expected to be operational by 2020.




Tom Clarke reports on the environmental impact



Interview: Ed Miliband, environment secretary



Interview: John Sauven, director, Greenpeace