Richmond borough, which would bear the brunt of Heathrow's expansion plans, is restating its long-standing concerns over a third runway, ahead of further government announcements.

At Parliament on Monday night (15 September), Richmond Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts and campaigners from the No 3rd Runway Coalition made the case against expansion directly to MPs and Lords from across the political spectrum.

"London deserves a better Heathrow, not a bigger one," said Councillor Roberts.

Heathrow is already the UK's busiest airport; with more than 80 million travellers a year using its four passenger terminals and two runways and has been seeking permission to build a third runway for nearly two decades.

Earlier this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government's support of a third runway, citing economic growth and saying ministers "cannot duck the decision any longer". The airport says this move would enable an additional 260,000 flights per year.

But Councillor Roberts challenged the proposals, saying: "The government's so-called growth agenda – now revealed nine months ago – is yet to present credible detail showing how these plans will actually deliver benefits for residents or the environment.

He added: "Residents in Richmond upon Thames and neighbouring boroughs already live with near-constant noise, air pollution, and disruption. A third runway will only make this worse."

"There are many ways to support jobs and connectivity without piling more flights over London. Freight, domestic flights, and smarter use of existing capacity all need serious consideration.

"Until the government lays out full plans, we cannot be reassured that these promises are deliverable.

"To claim aviation is one of the few paths to growth is remarkable – especially given the huge environmental and social costs."

In 2020, Richmond Council convened a cross-party coalition of councils, MPs, and community groups that scrutinised Heathrow expansion proposals and at the time successfully helped overturn government approval of a third runway.

"Despite fresh plans emerging – and hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayer money already plunged into the project – there is still no clear road ahead," Councillor Roberts said.

"Our borough, and southwest London more widely, deserves certainty, safety, and a say in its future. Until ministers provide that, we remain vigilant and ready to act."