High-speed rail the viable alternative to Heathrow expansion

High-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs - including at Heathrow - would provide a cleaner option than airport expansion and would bring a bigger financial return, says the report, compiled for RMT by the Campaign for Better Transport.

Who says there is no alternative? points out that well over a third of flights from Heathrow are short-haul, that more than 20 per cent serve destinations already served by a viable rail alternative, and that 20 per cent more are to places where rail is the potential alternative.

It also shows that where high-speed rail links have been opened there has been a significant switch from air to rail, and that the UK is in danger of being left behind as countries like Spain reap the benefits of massive rail investment.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said

“This report shows that high-speed rail can provide a win-win solution for the economy and the environment.

“Paris remains Heathrow's top destination and there are as many flights leaving for Edinburgh as for New York, and if we provide a viable, fast and sustainable alternative to short-haul flights the case for Heathrow expansion would evaporate.

“Our report underlines the urgency of the review announced by Network Rail and for the government to ensure that it acts swiftly to reap the clear environmental and economic benefits that high-speed rail can bring.

John McDonnell MP said

“This report proves conclusively that there is a rail alternative to Heathrow expansion and undermines totally the argument for a new runway and sixth terminal.”

“It should provide the basis upon which the government thinks again," added John McDonnell, whose Hayes and Harlington constituency includes Heathrow.”

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Download the report ‘Who says there is no alternative?’

John McDonnell MP has tabled EDM 1873 'Heathrow and the High Speed Rail Alternative'.