UK Parliament holds inquiry with UK Transport Secretary on runway decision

UK Parliament commons select committee heard (08-Jan-2016) evidence from UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin on government plans in the South East. Mr McLoughlin stated the government accepted recommendations by the Davies Commission for "extra capacity up and running by 2030", though "couldn't make progress" on the runway's location due to environmental and economic concerns but is "still sticking by that date". Mr McLoughlin referred to surface transport exhaust pollution as a factor previously not considered, though dismissed concerns of only environmental factors being considered by the government in the expansion. Mr McLoughlin cited inevitable judicial reviews of the decision as a major factor in the comprehensive research needed, which includes measurement of economic impacts and legislative compliance. Mr McLoughlin also dismissed the belief that the mayoral election is the only factor delaying the expansion decision, while arguing the potential EU referendum has also caused hesitation and may push the decision to the end of Jul-2016. [more - original PR]