I'll fight Heathrow expansion, says Mayor

Ken Livingstone today vowed to use public funds to fight the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

The Mayor said he opposed plans that would result in the loss of 700 homes to make way for a third runway, a sixth terminal and any increase in night flights, which he said caused "human misery".

Strengthening his position, he called for a major rethink of projected increases in air travel because of harm to the environment and "noise pollution". And he said Britons should holiday at home rather than taking cheap flights abroad to reduce the impact on the environment.

Responding to concern from opposition parties at City Hall about Heathrow expansion, Mr Livingstone called the threat to homes in Harmondsworth and Sipson " completely unacceptable". He said: "We will campaign actively against this. I have seen these homes. During my own election campaign I was struck [that] this is a wonderful little community-Greater London Authority resources will be thrown completely into any public inquiry ag ainst their compulsory purchase."

Mr Livingstone said there was no economic case for a third runway as the airport had sufficient capacity for business flights necessary to safeguard the capital's economy.

Instead, he said cheap holiday flights should be limited and tax should be charged on air fuel to pass on the true cost of flying. A friend of his had flown to the Continent last week for ?6, he said.

Airports operator BAA published plans this month for a sixth terminal at Heathrow, revealing how many homes will be at risk. BAA says a sixth terminal is vital to service a third runway.

The Government has not given permission for a third runway but has indicated it is an option if the favoured alternative of expanding Stansted falls through. Terminal five at Heathrow is due to open in 2008.

Mr Livingstone said he was alarmed at BAA's opposition to the ?11billion Crossrail scheme, which would link Heathrow to the City and Canary Wharf. BAA fears this would interfere with its Heathrow Express train service.

The Mayor vowed to fight airport expansion plans "right up to the Law Lords" if they failed to include new transport links.