Tories say no to 3rd runway at LHR in favour of trains
BBC: Tories would scrap Heathrow plan
The Tories say they would scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow and build a high-speed rail line instead.
They are proposing to create a new line linking London St Pancras, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds - saying it would cut Heathrow flights by 66,000 a year.
Key points:
- Construction would start in 2015, to finish in 2027, should the Conservatives win the next general election.
- Journeys would be reduced from 125 minutes to 80 minutes from London to Manchester, and from 55 minutes to 17 minutes between Manchester and Leeds.
- A Conservative government would spend £15.6bn over 12 years with private sector contribution of £4.4bn.
- BAA spokesman says that the UK needs both a 3rd runway at Heathrow AND high speed rail. According to BAA, flights to Manchester and Leeds Bradford airport made up less than 3% of Heathrow's total flights.
- Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said the plans were "politically opportunistic" and would be "hugely damaging" to the national interest.