Anti-Heathrow expansion campaigners have said a new coalition of 18 separate groups is a “breakthrough moment” in their fight.
The No Third Runway Coalition brings together the formerly separate alliances, including Stop Heathrow Expansion, HACAN, Teddington Action Group and the recently formed Brentford-based BASH Runway 3.
In a statedment the group said: “The No Third Runway Coalition has been formed to put additional pressure on the Government to drop plans for a new runway at Heathrow, building upon the work of existing opponents to the third runway including campaign groups, local authorities and MPs.”
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who is also Hayes and Harlington MP, gave the groups his full support, and said its formation is a “breakthrough moment”.
Zac Goldsmith, the spokesman and organiser for the joint anti-expansion campaign by Richmond, Wandsworth, Hillingdon and Windsor and Maidenhead councils said the coalition would give all groups a platform to argue against the third runway.
Mr Goldsmith said: “The threat of Heathrow expansion has brought together people from across the flight path and beyond, with new local campaign groups forming all the time.
“The No Third Runway coalition will give them all a platform, allow them to work more effectively together and provide support for everyone from MPs to the heroic local councils who are challenging Heathrow in our courts."
"The case against Heathrow expansion has never been stronger. It won't happen."
The coalition said it would highlight issues with the Department for Transport’s consultation on Heathrow expansion, which has held 20 local exhibition events across west London, Berkshire and Surrey.
Twickenham MP Tania Mathias said: “The coalition is critical in this period of consultations. All communities need to know the flight paths of a proposed Heathrow third runway.
“Every community affected is concerned about the increase in noise and air pollution and the financial costs for all taxpayers.”
Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, said the coalition would together have greater resources to fight the Government’s recommendation of a third runway.
The coalition twitter account is @NoR3Coalition, it has a Facebook page and will soon launch a website.
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