Type: Press release

Serious reappraisal from government required over Heathrow runway, says ICE

Date: 27 February 2020

Responding to today’s announcement about the Heathrow runway, Nick Baveystock, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said:

“Successful economies rely on effective infrastructure. Good transport and connectivity are at the heart of building a country our children will need if they are to enjoy prosperous lives.

“Today's ruling on the third runway at Heathrow means a serious reappraisal from the government is required. We need to balance the long-term economic benefits of the Heathrow scheme against the climate reality that we face.

“This debate has already been hugely protracted and subject to delays. We have been standing still while the challenges of climate change and population growth have continued. The legal decision today does not outline how these factors should be balanced, nor should it, but we need a rethink and fast.

“The government has got to set out how it will deliver a long-term, strategically-focused plan. It knew the court challenge was underway and should have considered these issues already in preparation for any outcome. The upcoming National Infrastructure Strategy is, therefore, the perfect place for the government to set out its thinking, including how a third runway will align with the wider infrastructure system.”