Heathrow expansion an 'outdated' risk, mayor says

The London mayor has formally opposed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, arguing the expansion threatens environmental targets and transport networks.

City Hall and Transport for London (TfL) submitted a joint response to the government's draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) consultation.

Sir Sadiq Khan claimed the strategic case relied on outdated evidence that "fails to reflect current climate laws and travel habits".

The government said it was reviewing the response, while Heathrow questioned many of the claims made in City Hall's submission.

The airport said the expansion was the "most important economic growth opportunity available to the UK".

But Sir Sadiq said he saw no evidence the proposals were compatible with a credible path to net zero.

"The evidence suggests Heathrow expansion is a risk that we simply cannot afford to take."

City Hall said additional flights could reverse the progress in reducing air pollution in communities surrounding Heathrow brought by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).