Cable Condemns BAA

5.10.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th May 2003

The report by BAA, published this week, pressing for a third runway at Heathrow has been roundly condemned by environmentalists and residents representatives including Vincent Cable, MP.

"This really is appalling cynicism. During the T5 enquiry, to which I submitted evidence, BAA were quite adamant that a new runway was unnecessary and that their demand for a new terminal (T5) would meet passenger demand. "

"Yet no sooner has T5 been approved than they have done a U turn, demanding a new runway and, by implication, a new terminal (T6). "

"Either their forecasting is grossly incompetent or they simply manipulated their analysis to meet tactical requirements".

"There will be massive opposition in SW London even from those who supported T5. The new runway will generate more fights and more environmental pollution, both noise and poorer air quality."

"The development implies a big increase in the Heathrow labour force with no suggestion of where the workers will come from or where they will live. "

"The private vested interests of the airlines and the airport do not "

"coincide with the national interest, once issues of regional balance and environmental factors are considered. We must hope that when the final decision is made in six to nine months time, there will be a more balanced approach".