Heathrow Airport decision delayed until next summer
(about 1 hour later)
Ministers are meeting on Thursday to decide on the future expansion of Heathrow airport.
A decision on whether to expand Heathrow Airport has been delayed until next summer, the government has confirmed.
The Cabinet sub-committee tasked with considering the government's response is due to meet late this afternoon.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the government would "continue to work on all shortlisted locations".
Yet a decision on whether to build a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick could still be delayed for at least six months.
A decision had previously been expected by the end of this year.
Ministers are thought to want more "confidence building" about the environmental impact of a new runway.
Keeping the option of expansion at Gatwick as well as Heathrow on the table gives the government more leverage over airport operators in dealing with environmental concerns.
However, another delay would be criticised by business groups.
They have called on the government to expand the UK's aviation capacity to ensure London remains competitive with European rivals such as Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
In July, the Airports Commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies backed plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport. But it added that the new runway should come with severe restrictions to reduce the environmental and noise effects.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways owner IAG, said there was no political will to build a new runway anywhere in the South East.
Nevertheless, he warned ministers against opting for a second runway at Gatwick.
"Not only would it overrule the Davies commission, but there is no business case for expanding Gatwick," Mr Walsh said. "Very few airlines support the proposal and no one would move there while Heathrow remains open."
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "Heathrow expansion is critical to the future of the British economy. It is the only way the whole nation will be connected to all of global growth."
Political tensions
Delaying a decision would allow the London mayoral election to take place without the political fallout that would result if Heathrow is allowed to build a third runway.
Zac Goldsmith, the Conservative candidate for mayor, opposes any expansion of the west London airport - as does the Labour candidate, Sadiq Khan.
David Cameron could face criticism given his 2009 pledge that there would be no third runway at Heathrow.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the House of Commons on Thursday that MPs would be the first to know when the government had made a decision.
His shadow, Lilian Greenwood, said that Mr Cameron told the Commons in July that a decision on airport expansion would be made by the end of the year.
"Employers have been clear the government should bring forward the decision it promised but fear a further politically motivated delay," she said.
"Was the prime minister making a clear pledge - no ifs, no buts - or are residents who live near Heathrow and Gatwick about to be subjected to yet more blight and uncertainty?"
Mr McLoughlin said: "When an announcement is to be made I will make it in the House."
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