Boris Johnson links up with ‘Heathrow plot’ MPs

Mayor of London Boris Johnson speaks to the media during a visit to Amazon's new Global Digital Media Innovation Hub, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 13, 2012. Speaking in central London, the capital's mayor said: "I'm very, very glad that this report does lay to rest the false allegation that was made at the time about the behaviour of those fans. See PA story INQUIRY Hillsborough Johnson. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

Peter Dominiczak

14 September 2012

Boris Johnson is opening links to a group of MPs “plotting” against David Cameron’s position on a Heathrow third runway, the Standard can reveal.

An anti-third runway group met in Westminster this week to begin talks on how to campaign against any future expansion of Heathrow.

The cross-party group of MPs, Lords and councillors have been angered in recent weeks by growing signs that the Prime Minister is paving the way for a re-think on Heathrow.

The Mayor last week declared war on the Prime Minister over the issue following Mr Cameron’s controversial decision to demote former transport secretary Justine Greening.

Separately, the Standard understands that Mr Johnson has already started approaching backbenchers from all three main parties to work with him to oppose a third runway.

Daniel Moylan, who is running the Mayor’s commission on aviation policy, has approached a number of MPs and allies today said they “already have a few on board”.

The revelation that Mr Johnson is trying to shore up support in Westminster will pile pressure on the Prime Minister, who is facing threats of a plot to oust him from within his own party.

On Wednesday a group of MPs, organised by veteran anti-Heathrow expansion campaigner John Stewart, met in Westminster to discuss their campaign.

MPs include Conservatives Adam Afyrie, the MP for Windsor, and Brentford and Isleworth’s Mary Macleod.

Also present were Labour MPs including John McDonnell and Seema Malhotra.

Rebel Tory Zac Goldsmith, who has threatened to stand down as an MP over the issue, sent a representative and is expected to join future meetings.

Informed about the Westminster meeting today Mr Johnson told the Standard: “There’s a massive pool of talent out there that must be harnessed if we are to win the fight for increased aviation capacity in London and the South East, preferably with the creation of a hub airport to the east of the capital.

“I’m pleased to hear that already the third runway opponents inside the Palace of Westminster are plotting their strategy.”

He added: “We will work closely with all interested parties... to deliver a compelling case to Government that a third runway isn’t the solution to maintaining our status as Europe’s number one city in which to do business.”

Mr Stewart, chairman of anti-expansion pressure group Hacan, said: “We saw off a third runway the last time they tried to do it. We’re confident we will see it off again.

“We’ll make life very uncomfortable for any government that decides to do a U-turn on Heathrow.”

He said that the group will be approaching Mr Johnson in the coming weeks.

Although the MPs are firmly opposed to a third runway, a number of them want to ensure Heathrow remains open and are not in favour of Mr Johnson’s plans for an estuary airport.

MP for Feltham and Heston Ms Malhotra said: “The future of Heathrow is fundamental for families in my constituency and for the local economy.

“The Thames Estuary is not the right location for a national hub airport, and if it being built means the closure of Heathrow will follow, it is the wrong answer and I will fight it all the way.”

It is understood that Mr Johnson this week had lunch with new Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Boris Johnson links up with ‘Heathrow plot’ MPs

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