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PA
UK News

Theresa May called to save church from third Heathrow runway demolition

by Aaron James

Rev Amatu Onundu Christian-Iwuagwu, from St Mary's Church in Harmondsworth, is speaking after the government confirmed that it would expand Heathrow instead of Gatwick.

It's holding a special service tonight at 6:30pm in response to the government's decision, where it will pray for the future of the church and the parish generally.

The news was welcomed by Heathrow bosses and other business leaders who say the move will bring in £147bn and tens of thousands of jobs to the UK economy over the next 60 years.

Critics say the move will create dangerous climate change and increase pollution, traffic and noise in the area.

PA

An image showing air traffic over the south east of England on a typical day, with each colour representing a regional airport and white flight lines as other overflying aircraft

PA
A British Airways plane flies past a Stop Heathrow Expansion protest sign in Longford Village, Hillingdon, near Heathrow Airport

Heathrow, the UK's biggest airport in terms of flights, is running at 98% capacity while Gatwick was expected to reach capacity within the next few years.

The Department for Transport says its plans include legally binding noise targets and encouraging quieter planes.

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, Rev Amatu said: "There are people here who've lived here all of their lives, who're 50, 60, 70 years old, and they're really very concerned.

"I'm calling on Theresa May, who's been a vicarage girl, to come down here this evening and tell me the best way to manage the parishioners in this kind of situation. Her help is really highly needed.

"I don't trust the government in any situation at all. A few years back we had [David] Cameron: "no ifs, no buts" [on Heathrow Airport expansion]... and here we go, today. So who do I trust?"

Listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking to Rev Amatu Onundu Christian-Iwuagwu on Premier's News Hour:

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