Vince Cable

The debate on airport expansion has seen several new twists:

The publication of research data showing that hundreds of thousands of Londoners, and a large population of the borough's population, are disturbed by aircraft noise

Confirmation that proposals for a third runway and more intensive use of existing runways are being put back until the end of the year at the soonest

The Queens' Speech (due on Tuesday morning) will contain proposals for planning powers for major projects, like airports, to be transferred from councils to a new government planning quango

Vincent Cable said: "the Heathrow expansion debate increasingly resembles a collision between an irresistible force and an immovable object. The government seems determined to push ahead with expansion plans. But the environmental arguments - both global in terms of Co2 emissions and local in terms of noise - are becoming irresistible. I hope the government and the airport company BAA appreciate what they are up against".