Heathrow expansion delayed again

Decision to expand Heathrow airport has once again been delayed, and will not be until new Conservative Party leader is elected.

The government will defer a decision to expand Heathrow airport until the new Conservative leader is elected, making the promise of a decision this year much less likely.

Although campaigners previously said the Brexit vote “must cast doubts” on whether the green light would be given on the third runway, following the vote, a spokesman said that the expansion “must be a key building block in the government’s Brexit plan” if the UK wants a stronger economy.

He continued: “It will allow British exporters to trade with all the growing markets of the world, strengthening Britain’s position as one of the great trading nations,

“And at a time of uncertainty, a £16bn privately funded infrastructure investment will create jobs and growth across the UK.”

A third runway, measuring 3,500m north of the two existing ones, was recommended by the Airport Commission, at an estimated cost of £18.6Bn.

The decision was delayed in December, following government feedback that further work on noise, pollution and compensation needed to be carried out.

The rival proposal for a third runway at Gatwick is still a possible.

However, in a recent poll released by ComRes, the Heathrow expansion was voted as top infrastructure project by MPs, followed by HS2 and HS2. An expansion at Gatwick airport was voted last of the projects for importance in spreading growth.

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