Tories deny Heathrow backtracking

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The Conservatives insist they are still opposed to a new runway at Heathrow despite a shadow minister suggesting the issue could be "revisited".

Comments by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown that the issue could be looked at again if the party wins the next election have been seized upon by Labour.

In a leaked letter to a constituent, the MP said blocking the runway could damage foreign air traffic to the UK.

But Mr Clifton-Brown said the letter was old and party policy was clear.

'Difficult issue'

The Conservatives plan to reverse Labour's decision to approve a third runway, made earlier this year, if they come to power.

They argue a third runway will do significant environmental damage, blight the lives of those living near by and will not bring the economic benefits claimed by the government.

But a letter sent by Mr Clifton-Brown, the party's international trade and development spokesman, to a constituent appeared to cast doubt on the policy.

Under a Conservative government, there will be no third runway at Heathrow Theresa Villiers, Shadow Transport Secretary

In it, he said the runway issue was "difficult and controversial".

"Although I voted to oppose the third runway, I am fully aware of the potential damage this might do to Britain's international air travel," he wrote.

"Equally it is pointless Britain cutting down on air travel only to find it goes to other European countries.

"So I expect this is an issue that will need to be revisited after the election."

'Party line'

However, the MP for Cotswolds said the letter, published on Wednesday, was written a "long time ago".

"The party line is that there will be no third runway at Heathrow. What I believe is irrelevant. I am a member of David Cameron's front bench and that is his policy."

Labour said the Tories' policy on Heathrow was in "disarray".

"The Tories are keeping their true intentions on Heathrow secret until after the general election," Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said.

But Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers said the party's position was "clear" and would not change.

"Under a Conservative government, there will be no third runway at Heathrow," she said.