No 3rd runway at Heathrow

In his 8 years as London Mayor, Ken Livingstone says despite his open and public invitation to do so, no business ever presented him with a compelling cost-case for a 3rd runway at Heathrow airport. 40% or more of Heathrow traffic is change overs - not visitors; not cargo. The cry from Government and business about the importance of a 3rd runway for jobs and the economy sounds hollow, and smacks of self-interest. The sum of London airports already offers capacity in excess of most other European capitals. As part of a "green revolution", French President Nicolas Sarkozy has banned the building of new runways (and roads) in France, in a bid to get people out of the skies and onto trains. Let's follow his example. It'd send a huge and important message, and be a significant step towards helping the UK reach pressing and already challenging environmental targets.