HEATHROW RALLY

That this House applauds the efforts of the many residents of London and the surrounding counties, their local authorities, elected representatives and campaign groups in expressing opposition to the proposed doubling of the number of flights using London Heathrow Airport by means of the construction of a third runway and the abolition of runway alternation; notes that those efforts will culminate in a rally and lobby of Parliament on 25th February 2008; believes that the interests of those employed at Heathrow and in associated businesses are best served by the creation of a better rather than a still bigger airport; notes that the report produced by consultants CE Delft undermines the often-repeated claim that the expansion of Heathrow is essential for the well-being of the UK economy; and calls upon the Government to abandon the proposed expansion of Heathrow in favour of transport policies consistent with the UK's international obligations on carbon dioxide emissions and climate change.