Whilst any third runnaway is needed quickly, a full length runaway could have nasty effects on regional transport. Originally, the third runaway would have been shorter, to allow short-haul airlines in, and UK destination to get more flights in. bmi have exploited this market recently. A full-length runaway will mean only more long-haul, more lucrative flights, good for BAA, but what about the British economy?

Ed Fry, Southsea, Hants

Never mind all this silly talk. BAA is a business and to grow the business, they need new runways. Just build the new runways and get on with it. To much talk and not enough action.

Ian, Grangemouth, scotland

The report from "Greengauge 21",2006, on the provision of a high speed rail link between "inter alia" Heathrow and Birmingham, Manchester and further north ,deemed that a 3rd runway would not be needed. Interline passengers would use the HSRL rather than short haul flights. Unless the rail and air interests get together to provide such an integrated system we could end up with both HSRL and a 3rd runway! So much for Green thinking!!!

M.N. Jamieson, Windsor, Berks, England

The case for a full third runway at Heathrow is overwhelming. The Government has however to recognise the dislocation and disturbance issues will require an unprecedented package for re-housing and compensation of affected residents and businesses. The cost of this will still make a 3rd runway the most sustainable, environmentally friendly and economically attractive of any alternative. London is simply too big a world city and financial capitals demand good access. It cannot be compromised any longer by its main airport's inadequacies. Any alternative will only increase journey times and make for far more and longer road and rail connections or connecting flights from provincial airports.(including those purporting to be London airports) The capacity has to be provided closest to the source of demand. It is high time this country stopped the wingeing and carping small mindedness and showed the rest of the world that we can provide world class infrastructure.

Alastair, Rye,

There are lies, damned lies, and what Spanish-owned BAA has promised about not wanting a third runway at Heathrow if it got T5. A full length runway will stretch from Harmondsworth through Sipson and Harlington and will end up in Cranford Park. The amount of residential and agricultural land will be 10 times more than for a short cuddly runway that BAA first mooted. The pollution will make Hayes a desolate wasteland. At least four historic churches will be destroyed and 100s of thousands of homes will be compulsory purchased and bulldozed for this crazy expansion. 'Monumental battle' is an understatement. The Climate Camp brought activitists together. They are now networking for the fight ahead at all levels. The Climate Camp was only a small start. The coming battle could see the complete collapse of this less-than-green Government.

C.J.Brady, Harlington, UK