MPs urged to back airport expansion
MPs have been urged to put aside party politics and approve a third runway at Heathrow Airport, a vote likely to expose high-profile divisions in both Tory and Labour ranks.
The spotlight will be on the whereabouts of Boris Johnson before and during today’s Commons vote on whether to increase capacity at Europe’s busiest airport.
The Foreign Secretary, a long-term vocal opponent of the expansion, will make a trip abroad that will keep him away from the division lobbies as other Conservatives face a three-line whip in favour of the plan.
There are also expected to be votes going either way in Labour, which is officially opposed to the expansion.
Jeremy Corbyn has allowed MPs a free vote on a measure that is supported by trade unions and his shadow chancellor John McDonnell, whose Hayes and Harlington constituency is nearby.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling urged MPs of all parties to back “the biggest transport decision in a generation”.
He said: “Successive governments have wrestled with the issue of Heathrow expansion, but never before has Parliament held a vote on this project. At stake are thousands of new jobs and the country’s ability to compete on an international stage and win new global trade.”
He made five pledges over the Heathrow expansion. They include no cost to taxpayers, an economic boost providing 100,000 jobs, guaranteed benefits for the whole country including internal flights, rail links and “global opportunities” for regional firms, built-in environmental protections, and the ability to fine Heathrow or ground aircraft if Heathrow breaks its own promises over the scheme.
The long-running saga over whether to expand Heathrow or Gatwick – or build a new airport as wanted by Mr Johnson – has already sparked resignations in the Conservative Party.
Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith quit as an MP in October 2016 in protest at Government support. He stood as an independent in a by-election, but lost to Lib Dem Sarah Olney before rejoining the Tories and retaking the seat at the 2017 general election.
And last week, Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands quit as international trade minister to oppose the airport expansion.
That move in the face of a three-line whip put pressure on Mr Johnson. But Mrs May last week confirmed he would miss the vote by being “the living embodiment of global Britain” abroad.
The Government has so far declined to say where Mr Johnson will be on security grounds.
Following the announcement earlier this month that the Government intended to press ahead with a third runway, Downing Street indicated ministers with long-standing objections would be able to voice their opposition at a “local level” but would not be permitted to speak against it in the Commons.