London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed legal action against the government’s decision to expand Heathrow.
Khan has been openly opposed to expansion at the West London hub and officially supported Gatwick during the decision process.
He has directed Transport for London (TFL) to provide assistance to four local councils and Greenpeace which are bringing the case against expansion.
“I promised I wouldn’t just stand by and see hundreds of thousands suffer from the additional noise and air pollution a third runway would cause,” Khan said during City Hall question time.
“That’s why I’ve directed TFL to provide their expert advice and assistance to support Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth and Windsor and Maidenhead councils, and Greenpeace, as they prepare for a joint legal challenge, and why I will be ready for us to play an active role in the action if required.”
Leader of Wandsworth council Ravi Govindia told City AM: "The mayor's commitment is very good news and will significantly strengthen our legal arguments. Transport for London's resources and technical expertise will be hugely helpful to developing our case and exposing the deeply flawed logic supporting Heathrow expansion."
Last month, the government gave the green light to Heathrow to build a third runway. A decision welcomed by many in the business travel industry.
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