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Heathrow airport expansion 'approved' Heathrow chosen for expansion with third runway
(35 minutes later)
Expansion of Heathrow airport has been approved by a committee of ministers, sources tell the BBC. The government has approved a third runway at Heathrow to expand UK airport capacity.
Ministers approved the decision at a cabinet committee meeting on Tuesday, with construction of a third runway at Heathrow, rather than an extension, thought to be preferred. Ministers approved the long-awaited decision at a cabinet committee meeting on Tuesday.
However, Downing Street has yet to officially confirm the decision. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called the decision "truly momentous" and said expansion would improve the UK's connections with the rest of the world and support trade and jobs.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will make a statement to the House of Commons about 1pm on Tuesday. He will make a statement to the House of Commons about 13:00.
But the decision faces a long consultation before it becomes final. Expanding airport capacity in the South East of England has been a political hot potato for many years.
The manner in which the expansion would be carried out, a new runway or an extension to an existing one, has not been divulged. Although Heathrow has always been the favourite among businesses, it has attracted the most opposition from MPs with constituencies near the airport or under flight paths.
'Opposition'
A study last year, led by Sir Howard Davies, recommended a third runway at Heathrow but other options included a new runway at Gatwick or extending one of Heathrow's existing runways.
Live: Airport expansion decisionLive: Airport expansion decision
Airport expansion: The cost of delaysAirport expansion: The cost of delays
Last week Prime Minister Theresa May moved to head off possible Cabinet resignations by giving ministers freedom to speak out against the decision. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Justine Greening have been vocal critics of Heathrow expansion. Growing up under Heathrow flightpath
Last week, Prime Minister Theresa May moved to head off possible Cabinet resignations by giving ministers freedom to speak out against the decision. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Justine Greening have been vocal critics of Heathrow expansion.
Downing Street said any ministers wanting to voice their opposition to the plans would have to seek permission from the prime minister in advance.Downing Street said any ministers wanting to voice their opposition to the plans would have to seek permission from the prime minister in advance.
'Opposition'
A study last year, led by Sir Howard Davies, recommended a third runway at Heathrow, but other options included a new runway at Gatwick or extending one of Heathrow's existing runways.
Ms Greening is expected to give her reaction to the decision in a message to her constituents in Putney, south-west London, a source said.Ms Greening is expected to give her reaction to the decision in a message to her constituents in Putney, south-west London, a source said.
Mr Johnson will also make a statement if the government does favour expansion at Heathrow, it is understood. Mr Johnson will also make a statement.
A public consultation will now be held on the effects of airport expansion before the government makes a final decision as part of a National Policy Statement on Aviation. A public consultation will now be held on the effects of airport expansion before the government makes a final decision as part of a national policy statement on aviation.
MPs will then vote on that decision in the winter of 2017-18. It is unlikely that any new runway capacity would be operational before 2025.MPs will then vote on that decision in the winter of 2017-18. It is unlikely that any new runway capacity would be operational before 2025.
Construction is not likely to begin until 2020 or 2021, the Airports Commission has said.Construction is not likely to begin until 2020 or 2021, the Airports Commission has said.
A final decision on which London airport to expand has been years in the making.A final decision on which London airport to expand has been years in the making.
In 2009, former prime minister David Cameron pledged that there would be no new runway at Heathrow.In 2009, former prime minister David Cameron pledged that there would be no new runway at Heathrow.
Would you be affected if Heathrow was expanded? Do you live nearby or is your business dependent on Heathrow? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Would you be affected if Heathrow was expanded? Do you live nearby or is your business dependent on Heathrow? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
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