A campaign group that wants to build a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow will be launched in two weeks’ time – with a leading Labour peer at its helm.
According to The Times, Lord Clive Soley will be installed as director of Future Heathrow when is officially launched on May 23.
The newspaper reports that the group is being funded by airlines including BA, Virgin and BMI British Midland, but that BAA has declined to become a member because it does not want to be seen to be favouring one airport over others.
Soley reportedly believes that Heathrow will be “eclipsed” by other European hubs if the expansion is not allowed to go ahead.
He is quoted as saying: “I have accepted this appointment because of the threat to west London. It is inevitable that Heathrow will decline unless a third runway is built.
“The impact could be similar to the closure of the docks in east London. Unemployment could go through the roof and house prices through the floor. Some of my colleagues think I exaggerate the threat but I believe the danger is real.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com
