A call from The Green Londoner and West Londoners to our elected representatives
The threat of Heathrow expansion is back — the airport has just unveiled a £49 billion plan to build a third runway across the M25 and modernise its terminals.
As concerned Londoners, we’re calling on our local leaders to take a stand.
Earlier this year, and again more recently, the Chancellor reaffirmed her support for airport expansion in London, citing the need to boost “economic growth.” But despite overwhelming environmental and social concerns, the government seems determined to press ahead.
Here in West London, where thousands of planes take off and land every day, we know the cost of such a project would be too high — for our health, our climate, and our communities. That’s why we sent a formal letter earlier this year to several local politicians, urging them to reaffirm their opposition to any further airport expansion in London.
Here’s why this matters — and why we believe all Londoners should speak out.
1. Climate Commitments vs. Airport Expansion
The UK’s own Climate Change Committee (CCC) made it clear in its 7th Carbon Budget (February 2025):
“Aviation demand can only grow if technology roll-out progresses and begins to abate and offset aviation emissions.”
But those technologies do not yet exist at the scale needed.
Approving more runways while claiming climate leadership sends a dangerous and hypocritical message. It undermines our legally binding net zero commitments — and shifts the burden onto future generations.
2. Local Harm: Pollution, Noise, and Gridlock
West London already suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the UK. More flights mean more emissions, hitting children and vulnerable residents the hardest.
Noise pollution will also worsen — disrupting sleep, damaging health, and reducing quality of life for thousands of residents.
And our transport network? Already under pressure. More airport traffic will clog our Tube, trains, and roads, causing longer delays even for people who never use the airport.
3. A Broken Economic Argument
Heathrow claims expansion will boost the economy. But the data doesn’t support that.
Research by the New Economics Foundation shows:
- Business travel is declining, not rising.
- UK residents travel abroad far more than tourists visit here.
- More outbound flights = less money spent at home.
Airport expansion may not strengthen our economy — it may actually drain it.
We stand with the Mayor of London, several local councils, and MPs who have long opposed Heathrow’s third runway. Today, we renew that call and ask our elected representatives to:
✅ Publicly reaffirm their opposition to all airport expansion plans in London.
✅ Challenge the Chancellor’s support and demand government policies that align with climate science.
✅ Work together with other councils, campaigners, and communities to oppose expansion at every level.
What’s Next?
We’ll be closely following how local councils and MPs respond — and we’ll keep reporting here on The Green Londoner.
This is more than just a borough issue — it’s a London-wide and national concern. The decisions made now will shape the kind of city we live in for decades to come.
How You Can Take Action
Email your local councillor or MP — and ask them to stand firm.
Join a local climate group, like H&F Climate Group, and subscribe to The Green Londoner.
Share this article with others — and help raise awareness.
Let’s make it clear: London doesn’t need more runways.
It needs cleaner air, quieter streets, and bold, responsible climate leadership.
