Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson pushes PM for third runway at Heathrow

RUTH Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has increased the pressure on 
David Cameron over his opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, declaring today that she has reversed her own 
opposition to the move.

Writing today in Scotland on Sunday, she says that “in politics, you should be big enough to change your mind”, as she explains why she now believes the extension of Britain’s busiest airport is vital for Scottish firms and passengers.

A two-runway Heathrow will lead to a reduction in the number of Scotland-London connections, she warns, 
and will force long-haul Scottish passengers to travel to other European airports for connections.

She also says that Air Passenger Duty – which taxes passengers anything from £13 to £188 for flights – should be scrapped across the UK. The tax currently generates £2.7bn for the Exchequer.

Davidson writes: “As a Westminster candidate in the 2010 election, I campaigned on a manifesto containing opposition to a third runway, but priorities – and economic landscapes – change. In politics, you should be big enough to change your mind and I believe there is now an overwhelming argument for a third runway. However, for business in Scotland to enjoy the full benefits of this extra capacity, Air Passenger Duty must also be scrapped.”

Her calls come as Cameron faces open dissent from within his own party over his opposition to the Heathrow extension. Last week, senior Tory MP Tim Yeo said his decision on the matter would reveal whether the Prime Minister was “a man or a mouse”.