MPs demand assurance over Heathrow expansion transport links

Date: 7/12/2009

A group of MPs has asked for assurances that Heathrow’s expansion would include the development of links to other major airports by high-speed rail.

The request from the Commons transport committee comes amidst concerns that the expansion would only benefit the south-east.

Committee chairman Louise Ellman, MP for Liverpool Riverside, noted that although Heathrow is a major European hub airport, just six cities in the UK have flights connected to it.

"Even with expansion, we need to improve direct access to Heathrow from the national rail network in order to maximise the economic benefits and to reduce the environmental impacts," she added.

Concerns were also raised about the timescale for completion of the additional Heathrow runway.

The committee noted there was a "lack of clarity" over the completion date, although it is expected to be finished around 2019.

Ministers agreed to the construction of a third runway at Heathrow in January, despite fierce opposition from those living under the flight path and environmentalists.

They argued that expansion was crucial to UK industry, suggesting that leading businesses could relocate to other countries with less crowded and congested airports.