Today, the Airports Commission, the independent review panel chaired by Sir Howard Davies, published its interim report. The report set out three options for one new runway in the south-east of England which the Commission says is required by 2030: a new runway at Heathrow Airport constructed to the north-west of the existing airport; an extension of Heathrow's existing northern runway to the west to at least 6,000m, enabling it to be used for both take-offs and landings; a new runway at Gatwick Airport more than 3,000m in length.
Reacting to today’s report Greg said: “Now that the interim report is published I shall take time to study it, and the implications it will have for my constituents. This is only an interim report, and a final decision is not expected until 2015, which means we have time to consider all the options and I am pleased that there is one option still under consideration which does not involve expansion at Heathrow.”
Greg added: “My views on Heathrow expansion are well known and I have made numerous speeches on it in the House of Commons in the past. I also met Sir Howard in person in July when I was able to outline, at length, my concerns at Heathrow expansion. I was on the front bench of the House of Commons chamber today to hear the statement of the Transport Secretary.
“I am shocked that some Labour MPs have attacked the work of the Davies Commission, despite Labour giving unequivocal backing to a third Heathrow runway before the 2010 election.
“I look forward to the Government’s response in due course and I would urge concerned residents to share views with the Commission in the consultation on the short-listed options in the autumn of 2014.”
The report also contains recommendations to the Government for immediate action to improve the use of existing runway capacity. This includes an ‘optimisation strategy’ to improve the operational efficiency of UK airports and airspace; a package of surface transport improvements to make airports with spare capacity more attractive to airlines and passengers; the establishment of an Independent Noise Authority to provide expert and impartial advice about the noise impacts of aviation and to facilitate the delivery of future improvements to airspace operations.
Greg said: “I am however concerned by the proposals for the ‘smoothing’ of the early morning arrival schedule, which could see additional planes landing at Heathrow before 6.00am. I continue to oppose any increase in night flights and will be responding fully to the Departments for Transport’s ongoing consultation on Night Flying Regime in January 2014.”