British Cabinet Greenlights Heathrow Expansion Plan

Long-debated plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in London have been approved by ministers. The government’s economic sub-committee, chaired by prime minister Theresa May, backed the plans which were then approved by her full cabinet.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said it was a “historic moment” for UK aviation. Announcing £2.6 billion in compensation for residents and noise abatement measures, he said it would only proceed if air quality obligations were met.

MPs will be asked to vote on the expansion plans - formally known as the Airports National Policy Statement - in the coming weeks.

Ahead of the planned vote, Heathrow urged MPs to help secure Britain’s future as a global trading powerhouse by backing an expansion.

Following recent letters to politicians from Britain’s major business groups and trade unions, Heathrow is writing to all MPs today to tell them how their votes would “green light” the airport’s privately-funded expansion plans.

The project could boost Britain’s economy by billions, argues the government, as well as opening up to 40 new long-haul trading routes for Britain’s exporters.

There are also hopes it could create tens of thousands of new skilled jobs across the country and lower airfares for passengers.

However, environmental campaigners argue the decision will dramatically increase pollution, with Heathrow seeing an increase of around 700 flights per day.

There have also been concerns over noise pollution, as well as the impact on the villages surrounding the current site of Heathrow – some of which are likely to be demolished as part of the expansion.