MP raises Heathrow expansion transport concerns

An MP has said he is "firmly" against the planned expansion of Heathrow but is a "big advocate" of a new rail link to the airport.

Heathrow's proposed £49bn expansion and modernisation plan includes the creation of a third runway and would require a diversion of the M25, and a new road tunnel under the airport.

Conservative MP for Windsor in Berkshire, Jack Rankin, whose constituency is close to the airport said: "Fundamentally, I do not believe that there is space in our infrastructure locally."

The airport and the government have said expansion was "urgent" as Heathrow was currently working at capacity.

Speaking on BBC Radio Berkshire's hotseat, Rankin said the economic benefits for Berkshire from the airport expansion were outweighed by the downsides for the county.

Rankin explained many of his constituents live under the Heathrow flight path and were worried about aircraft noise as well as traffic congestion.

He said: "I am against the expansion of the third runway but we must acknowledge the economic importance for those living and working in Berkshire.

"It's not just a runway, it's terminal buildings, it's hotels, it's car parks, it all creates jobs.

"However, if you think about the local area in terms of traffic, development infrastructure, noise and pollution most people in our area think those things are already at capacity."

Business groups have said the expansion would bring benefits for businesses and exporters, by opening up access to markets and encouraging investment.

The chief executive of Heathrow Airport, Thomas Woldbye previously said expansion was "urgent" as the airport was currently working at capacity.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced renewed support for the third runway in January 2025, with ministers looking to advance plans by 2029.

She said at the time it would "make Britain the world's best connected place to do business".

Rankin said he supported the idea of a western rail link, adding that it would ease some of the local concerns.

Network Rail's plans for a link between Reading and Heathrow Airport were put on hold indefinitely in December 2020 due to planning and cost.

The plan included a building a new tunnel which would cut Reading to Heathrow journey times to 20-30 minutes.

Rankin said: "The rail link might see more people coming by public transport than road, which might alleviate some of the traffic problems."

Currently, those travelling to Heathrow by train have to go to London Paddington and catch the Heathrow Express.

He said many MPs in the Berkshire area are advocating for the rail link but there was a "debate about is who is going to pay for it".

A Heathrow spokesperson previously said: "We remain committed to making journeys to Heathrow easier and more sustainable.

"That's why we're continuing to explore options for a new rail link from the west, which would offer faster, direct connections from the West of England and South Wales to the airport."