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Third runway decision: Heathrow airport finally chosen over Gatwick six years after plans were scrapped Third runway decision: Heathrow airport finally chosen over Gatwick six years after plans were scrapped
(35 minutes later)
A third runway at Heathrow Airport was officially given the go-ahead by the Government today, ending weeks of speculation.A third runway at Heathrow Airport was officially given the go-ahead by the Government today, ending weeks of speculation.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed Britain’s worst-kept secret in an announcement on the government’s website, following an earlier decision by a Cabinet sub-committee.Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed Britain’s worst-kept secret in an announcement on the government’s website, following an earlier decision by a Cabinet sub-committee.
Zac Goldsmith, the Richmond Park MP and defeated Conservative candidate for London Mayor, has threatened to resign in protest – triggering a tricky by-election for Theresa May.Zac Goldsmith, the Richmond Park MP and defeated Conservative candidate for London Mayor, has threatened to resign in protest – triggering a tricky by-election for Theresa May.
He immediately branded the decision “catastrophic”. adding: “I will be meeting my constituents later today before making a statement”.He immediately branded the decision “catastrophic”. adding: “I will be meeting my constituents later today before making a statement”.
And Boris Johnson will re-state his opposition to Heathrow expansion in a TV interview later today, although the Prime Minister has banned him from actively campaigning against the decision.And Boris Johnson will re-state his opposition to Heathrow expansion in a TV interview later today, although the Prime Minister has banned him from actively campaigning against the decision.
Because MPs will not vote on the expansion for at least a year, there are not expected to be any Cabinet resignations – with Education Secretary Justine Greening also a fierce opponent.Because MPs will not vote on the expansion for at least a year, there are not expected to be any Cabinet resignations – with Education Secretary Justine Greening also a fierce opponent.
Mr Grayling said: “The step that government is taking today is truly momentous.Mr Grayling said: “The step that government is taking today is truly momentous.
“I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.“I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.
“A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities.“A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities.
“This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.”“This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.”
The government hopes to end almost 50 years of airport indecision by backing the plan for a third runway, which will not fully open until 2030 at the earliest.The government hopes to end almost 50 years of airport indecision by backing the plan for a third runway, which will not fully open until 2030 at the earliest.
The move will end, at least temporarily, Gatwick's bid for a second runway, in a move that could trigger a High Court challenge.The move will end, at least temporarily, Gatwick's bid for a second runway, in a move that could trigger a High Court challenge.
Heathrow expansion will be dependent on a ban on night flights, a legal block on any fourth runway, guarantees on the expansion of domestic flights and more passengers using public transport, to cut pollution.Heathrow expansion will be dependent on a ban on night flights, a legal block on any fourth runway, guarantees on the expansion of domestic flights and more passengers using public transport, to cut pollution.
The government will also urge Heathrow to cut the cost of the £17.6 billion scheme, much of which will fall on taxpayers for transport improvements around the airport.The government will also urge Heathrow to cut the cost of the £17.6 billion scheme, much of which will fall on taxpayers for transport improvements around the airport.
The decision means a proposal to expand an existing runway at Heathrow has been rejected, as well as a second runway at Gatwick.The decision means a proposal to expand an existing runway at Heathrow has been rejected, as well as a second runway at Gatwick.
But it will also rile Heathrow’s biggest airlines, which fear a multibillion-pound expansion of the hub will price out passengers.But it will also rile Heathrow’s biggest airlines, which fear a multibillion-pound expansion of the hub will price out passengers.
 
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic warned that landing charges were already the highest in the world, insisting a further hike is “not an option”.Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic warned that landing charges were already the highest in the world, insisting a further hike is “not an option”.