Boris: I will veto third runway
LONDON mayor Boris Johnson has insisted he will not support a third runway at Heathrow, despite renewed interest in the plan from other senior Tories.
The mayor said the runway would cause “intolerable traffic and fumes in the west of the city – and it will not be built as long as I am mayor of London.”
The Tories ruled out the prospect of a third runway in their 2010 manifesto, but last week chancellor George Osborne used his Budget to acknowledge the need for airport expansion in the South East.
It is understood that a third runway is back on the agenda and will be considered alongside plans for a new airport in the Thames Estuary, which has been backed by Johnson.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who is running for re-election in May, has backed a pledge supporting a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union. Johnson added his name to the People’s Pledge on a campaign visit to Romford in Essex over the weekend.
The Mayor said at the end of last year that a referendum would be justified if a new pan-European treaty was in danger of being forced upon the UK.
“I am delighted Boris has signed up,” said Tory MP Andrew Rosindell. “I wish the campaign all the best.”