KHOODEELAAR! updating on the legal and constitutional law evidence against Boris Johnson's role as a backer of Crossrail scam and waste.. [352]

This AADHIKARonline page was last edited at 2038 Hrs GMT London Saturday 29 November 2008:


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Johnson backs action over Heathrow
Monday, November 17, 2008
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The battle over Heathrow continues, with London Mayor Boris Johnson backing legal action against the government should it push through plans to create a third runway at Heathrow. The legal action would be on environmental grounds since going from 480,000 to 700,000 flights every year is likely to go against EU pollution legislation to be introduced in 2010.

The 2M group of local authorities is looking into the feasibility of legal action should Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon agree to the extension, as is expected. The Mayor is said to have offered to pay £15,000 towards any legal costs and could contribute more if required. Johnson’s spokesman said there were serious concerns for the local environment in terms of noise and air quality.

After Department for Transport papers revealed that attempts to keep pollution within limits could be "too costly or impractical", Edward Lister, the leader of Wandsworth council who represented the 2M group, said: "We are trying to show that the whole basis on which the government wants to justify expansion is bogus. It’s great that Boris is supporting this action and it’s not too late for the government to think again."

Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman is said to be concerned about the Heathrow plans as are Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, Foreign Secretary David Miliband and climate change minister Joan Ruddock.