HEATHROW AND THE HIGH-SPEED RAIL ALTERNATIVE

Early day motion 1873, tabled 24 June 2008 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes the Who Says There is no Alternative? report published by the RMT union on 24th June; notes that the report shows that over one-third of flights from Heathrow Airport are short haul and more than 20 per cent. of destinations are currently served by a viable rail alternative; further notes the example of Spain where heavy investment in high-speed rail has seen a shift from air to rail travel; and therefore believes that the report proves conclusively that there is a rail alternative to Heathrow expansion and undermines totally the argument for a new runway and sixth terminal.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 7, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.