New emissions report could affect Tory policy on airport expansion

14/12/2009

A moratorium currently imposed on airport expansion plans by the Conservatives could be affected by a new emissions report from the Committee on Climate Change.

On the grounds of environmental concerns, the Conservatives have voiced their opposition to plans to build an additional runway at Heathrow, but the new research suggests such a development would not breach emissions targets in the area, reports the Guardian.

According to London First, a business lobby group, the report gives the party flexibility to change its stance on the matter and appease businesses by lifting the moratorium.

Baroness Valentine, London First's chief executive, told the paper: "There are several competent economists among senior Tories, so they must understand the necessity of international connectivity to London's continued success."

The report found that 140 million additional passengers could be taken by UK airports each year without breaching emissions targets set for 2050.

In other news, passengers at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports faced long delays last Friday (December 11th) when fog descended on both cities, reports the BBC.

Posted by James Wilson.