UK: Heathrow critics say revised figures have 'trashed' original case for expansion

A major revision to the predicted economic benefits of a third runway at Heathrow has “trashed” govt evidence in support of the controversial expansion, opponents have claimed. The govt has increased the amount it expects Heathrow project to contribute to the nation’s economy over 60 years by a fifth to GBP74b. It represents a E13b increase from the figure laid out only a year ago. The change has been seized upon by Heathrow opponents who accuse the govt of massaging numbers to support Heathrow ahead of rival Gatwick. Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, said: “An inescapable point about the figures is that when it comes to the economic argument, which was one reason Heathrow was backed in the first place, they now show the genuine possibility of Gatwick being ahead.” <br/>