Reading joins 2M's Heathrow battle

Reading Borough Council has become the latest local authority to join the 2M Group which campaigns against Heathrow expansion.

The group, which took its name from the two million residents of the original 12 members, now represents 24 authorities with a combined population of more than 5 million people and is supported by the Mayor of London.

Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister, speaking on behalf of 2M, said: “We are delighted to welcome Reading on board. It shows just how widely the impact of a third runway would be felt across the south east.

“We have built a broad coalition which comprises councils and MPs from every party, local authorities representing rural and urban areas as well as a host of environmental and residents groups. With support from so many different areas I am confident this is a battle we can win.”

A core group of 2M councils is currently seeking judicial review of the Government’s decision to expand Heathrow. The case is backed by the Mayor of London, Transport for London and environmental groups including the Campaign for Protection of Rural England.

The 2M Group is an all-party alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities.

The full membership comprises the London Boroughs of Brent, Camden, Ealing, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Reading, Richmond, Sutton, Southwark and Wandsworth, the boroughs of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wycombe and South Bucks District Council

Find out more at www.2Mgroup.org.uk