London Assembly response to Supreme Court ruling on Heathrow Airport

The Supreme Court has today ruled for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee said,

“Today’s Supreme Court decision on Heathrow Airport is a huge disappointment. For years, the London Assembly along with other groups and local residents have routinely campaigned against the expansion of Heathrow Airport on grounds of noise and air pollution.

“Heathrow is already the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide in the UK and is responsible for more CO2 emissions from international, scheduled passenger flights than any other airport globally. Expansion is utterly incompatible with tackling the climate emergency and meeting targets set out in the Paris Agreement.

“Shockingly, noise from Heathrow disrupts the health and quality of life of more than three times as many people as any other airport in Europe. The unprecedented reduction in flights because of COVID-19 has emptied our skies and brought overflown Londoners much-needed peace and quiet. As a result, there is little desire for a return to business as usual at Heathrow let alone to increase its capacity.”