Heathrow runway 'gets go-ahead'

Residents, environmental campaigners and many MPs oppose the expansion of Heathrow Airport

Ministers have approved a controversial plan to build a third runway at Heathrow, the BBC understands.

Despite opposition from residents, environmental campaigners and many of its own MPs, Labour is set to confirm the decision officially on Thursday.

Some business and union leaders support the project, saying it will create jobs and boost the UK's competitiveness.

But critics have said it will irreparably damage the UK's credentials on tackling climate change.

Labour unease

The government has long argued, in principle, that it is in favour of the scheme, subject to noise and air pollution limits, and undertakings about access and traffic congestion.

Alongside the commitment to a new runway, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to announce increased investment in public transport, including a new high-speed rail link from the airport to central London.

There has been deep unease within Labour ranks about the decision, with several Cabinet members reported to be unconvinced about the project and more than 50 MPs openly opposed.

The Conservatives say a new runway would be an "environmental disaster" and have pledged to reverse the decision should they win the next election.

The Liberal Democrats have urged ministers to invest in high-speed rail links instead.

Asked about the decision on Wednesday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown declined to guarantee MPs a vote on the issue.

Should the government give the go-ahead, he said there would be a debate in Parliament and that the scheme would have to be granted planning permission.

This is likely to be a lengthy process, with work on a new runway unlike to begin before 2019.

Public protests

Protests have been growing in anticipation of a decision, which was due to be made in December but was delayed amid reports of divisions within government over the issue.

About 700 homes will have to be demolished to make way for the runway, which will increase the number of flights using Heathrow from about 480,000 a year now to 702,000 by 2030.

Expanding Heathrow would shatter the government's international reputation on climate change Friends of the Earth

Campaigners have bought some land earmarked for the construction of the runway in an effort to frustrate the expansion plans.

A legal challenge to the scheme is also seen as inevitable and such a move has been backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Environmental campaigners say proceeding with the new runway will leave the government's legal commitment to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 in tatters.

"Expanding Heathrow would shatter the government's international reputation on climate change," said Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth.

"We need bold and urgent action to create a low-carbon economy, not more backing for the climate-wrecking activities of the aviation industry."

But the government believes the new runway will not violate its EU commitments on air and noise pollution, pointing out that new aircraft being built will reduce emissions significantly.

Supporters of the runway say Heathrow is already operating at full capacity and the UK economy will lose business to the rest of Europe if it does not go ahead.

They point out that rival airports such as Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam already have at least four runways and that Heathrow is at risk of falling further behind.

British Airways, the largest airline at Heathrow, has said expanding the airport is the only "credible option".