HEATHROW AND THE HIGH-SPEED RAIL ALTERNATIVE

That this House welcomes the Who Says There is no Alternative? report published by the RMT union on 24th June; notes that the report shows that over one-third of flights from Heathrow Airport are short haul and more than 20 per cent. of destinations are currently served by a viable rail alternative; further notes the example of Spain where heavy investment in high-speed rail has seen a shift from air to rail travel; and therefore believes that the report proves conclusively that there is a rail alternative to Heathrow expansion and undermines totally the argument for a new runway and sixth terminal.