Ministers expected to approve Heathrow expansion today
Controversial plans for a third runway at Heathrow are expected to be approved by government ministers later today.
The economic sub-committee, chaired by Prime MinisterTheresa May, is expected to sign off the plans, which will then be sent to the full cabinet for approval.
Assuming the cabinet gives the go-ahead to the third runway, MPs will then be given the chance to vote on the proposals within three weeks.
Those arguing against the expansion of Heathrow argue that it will breach the UK’s legal limits on air pollution and the extra aircraft will increase noise pollution for local residents.
There is also fierce opposition to plans to bulldoze homes, a school and a trading estate to make way for the new runway.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, whose constituency lies close to Heathrow, has previously vowed to lie down in front of bulldozers to prevent the airport’s expansion.
However, a review of airport capacity in the southeast of England concluded in 2015 that Heathrow was the best site for an additional runway, despite the opposition.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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