The leading contender for the London Mayorality has urged the leadership of the Labour party to throw its weight behind Gatwick’s bid for a new runway.
Sadiq Khan, who is ahead in the polls over his Tory rival, and fellow anti-Heathrow expansion candidate Zac Goldsmith, says Heathrow expansion would be “disastrous and undeliverable”.
He has urged his party leader Jeremy Corbyn to rule out Heathrow expansion and back Gatwick at the only viable option.
Last week it was announced by government a decision on whether to approve Heathrow for a third runway, as recommended by the Airport’s Commission, would be delayed six months, after May’s London Mayor elections.
Labour’s transport spokeswoman Lilian Greenwood has said the opposition could not take a view on the decision until the government has made its position clear, according to The Guardian.
Khan told The Observer: ““Gatwick can expand without the devastating environmental impact of a third runway at Heathrow, while bringing huge economic benefits and being more affordable and deliverable.
“I’m calling on David Cameron, Zac Goldsmith and my colleagues in the Labour party – Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell – to get behind Gatwick now. It’s the only viable solution to this problem.”