Airport News
Hutton backs Heathrow expansion
Thu, 17 Jul, 2008
Business secretary John Hutton has expressed his support for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport.
BAA, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have all urged the government to approve the expansion of the airport.
Mr Hutton said the government must not "pander to pressure groups", adding that ministers are "quite clear" that London Heathrow needs a new runway.
But Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker accused the government of acting like a "subsidiary" of BAA.
And despite protests from environmental campaigners and local residents, the government had long ago made up its mind, he said.
Last year, Gordon Brown pledged to expand transport infrastructure in Britain, saying it was vital for Britain's economic success.
According to BAA, London Heathrow is currently running at 99 per cent runway capacity.