Heathrow Expansion: A Misguided Priority for the UK

Thomas Woldbye, the chief executive of Heathrow, has unveiled plans to build new terminals and submit a formal proposal for a third runway at the airport. This move has received the backing of Rachel Reeves, the British chancellor. However, a recent YouGov poll commissioned by Climate Outreach and Possible reveals that two in every three people believe that this expansion is the wrong priority for the country.

According to the poll, only six per cent of respondents consider a new runway at Heathrow to be a priority for transport investment, ranking it last among all available options. The majority of voters support investing in the railway system, with 70 per cent believing that upgrading the rail infrastructure should be the country’s focus.

Rachael Orr, the chief executive of Climate Outreach, emphasized the importance of prioritizing climate-friendly initiatives that benefit the environment and improve people’s lives. She stated, “People across the country want to protect our climate and nature while also making our country fairer. This involves ensuring warmer homes, affordable energy bills, and reliable public transport options.”

Alethea Warrington, co-director at Possible, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the negative impact of Heathrow expansion on the environment. She emphasized the need for investing in low-carbon transport infrastructure, such as buses and trains, which can enhance connectivity and boost the economy.

The poll also revealed that the public believes that the primary beneficiaries of Heathrow expansion would be big business and shareholders, rather than taxpayers or average holidaymakers. In contrast, there is strong support for investing in a national scheme to insulate homes, which would reduce fossil fuel dependence, lower bills for families, and create secure job opportunities.

Conclusion

It is evident that expanding Heathrow airport is not aligned with the priorities of the British public. Instead of focusing on projects that benefit a select few, the government should prioritize climate-friendly initiatives and investments in sustainable infrastructure. By listening to the concerns and preferences of the people, policymakers can work towards creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious future for the country.

This article was written by Brendan Montague, the editor of The Ecologist.