Heathrow Decision Imminent

3.23.01pm GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Government ministers have let it be known that a decision on the Heathrow third runway is imminent and will be announced in parliament this week.

Local MPs are preparing for an announcement that the runway will proceed and the long, legal and political battle which will follow.

Vince Cable MP said: "Millions of people in London will be appalled by a government decision to proceed. Approval for an increase in flights from 450,000 to 700,000 flights a year will have major negative consequences for the quality of life of residents under the take off and landing flight path; will generate both localised and general, carbon pollution; and has no convincing economic rationale. Expansion is being pursued in defiance of strong public resistance and is probably illegal under EU pollution rules. There will be a long and expensive legal battle and the government must realise that with both main opposition parties adamantly opposed to the project, it may well be blocked and never happen."