Cole-Hamilton: New FM should declare end to support for Heathrow expansion

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today called on the three candidates for SNP leader to declare an end to Scottish Government support for Heathrow expansion, declaring it incompatible with tackling the climate emergency.

In October 2016, former Economy Secretary Keith Brown signed a memorandum of understanding with Heathrow airport.  

Heathrow airport subsequently hosted receptions at SNP conference

SNP MPs abstained on the Heathrow expansion vote in Westminster and on 27th October 2021, SNP MSPs voted against a Scottish Liberal Democrat motion calling for the Scottish Government to “withdraw from its written agreement with Heathrow Airport to support the building of a third runway.”

A freedom of information request published on the Scottish Government website revealed a third runway would result in 75,660 extra flights between Scotland and Heathrow, generating 599,578 tonnes of additional emissions by 2040.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Amid all the backstabbing and chaos of the SNP leadership race, the climate emergency has been shamefully neglected.

“It’s been clear for some time that expanding Heathrow is simply not compatible with Scotland’s climate change commitments. This expansion alone would produce more emissions than some small countries.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are clear that we should be focusing on cheaper, better and faster rail services instead and spreading the benefits of international connections to regional airports rather than centralising yet more of our economy in the South East.

“All three SNP leadership candidates need to say whether they will rip up the Heathrow deal and finally put some muscle behind Scotland’s pledge to tackle the climate emergency after years of missed targets and opportunities.

“Scotland cannot save the planet alone but it should be using every opportunity to show real leadership and secure green jobs for the future.”