No to a third runway - Cllr Harleen Boparai

Summer 2026 was the UK’s hottest summer on record – causing wildfires and drought. a stark reminder that climate change is the greatest threat to the future of our planet.

Harleen is very worried that the Labour Government have backed Heathrow’s third runway, a project that would bring more concrete, traffic, pollution, noise and heat to our community.

Heathrow is currently surrounded by tarmac and busy roads. The M25 between J14 and J15 carries around 219,000 vehicles a day – the busiest stretch of road in the UK. A proposed seven years of construction & seven-year M25 re-route, will place even greater pressure on our roads and infrastructure. Residents already face their side roads occupied by airport cars.

Harleen says, “With Heathrow among the hottest areas, we already experience the Urban Heat-Island effect, where concrete acts as a heat sponge  Air pollution and aviation emissions also matter for residents’ health, particularly those living under the flight path. Chronic exposure to air pollution around Heathrow reduces lung function in children and increases hospital admissions, putting further pressure on an already overstretched NHS.”

The Government recognises that climate change means hotter summers, heatwaves, drought and extreme rainfall, and that expansion could increase congestion and emissions.

Doubling the size of the airport may create more jobs, but where will all these workers who will be drawn to our area live? Residents are already concerned about the spread of HMOs; more short-term accommodation could put further pressure on our housing and community.

Liberal Democrats recognise the importance of Heathrow to the local economy. We do not want to close the airport, but we see no justification for doubling it in size. The Department for Transport’s own analysis suggests that Heathrow expansion could add just 0.04% to GDP by 2056. Rejoining the single market would add ten times as much instantly, with no detrimental consequences.

Labour backs expansion. The Conservatives have pledged to repeal the Climate Change Act, whilst Reform wants to scrap net zero.

The only way to prevent Heathrow's third runway is to elect a strong Liberal Democrat MP in Harry Boparai.