Activists lose runway fight

CAMPAIGNERS trying to block the expansion of Heathrow vowed to fight on after their bid to block a third runway was rejected yesterday.

A group of councils, residents, environmental charities and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had brought four separate judicial reviews of the Government’s decision to approve the plans.

They argued it would effectively create a ‘new airport’ and have ‘severe’ consequences for London residents. Lord Justice Hickinbottom, sitting with Mr Justice Holgate at the High Court, said they recognised the claims reflected ‘strong and sincere views’ shared by many of the public.

But they ruled the expansion, which will generate more than a quarter of a million flights in and out of Heathrow, was lawful.

Will Rundle, from Friends of the Earth, said: ‘This decision feels completely out of step with the real world around us.

‘This fight will go on, the issue is just too big to drop.’