Delayed announcement could mean victory over Heathrow expansion
Environmental campaigners are hoping that they will have reason to celebrate after the Department for Transport announced today (Thursday 4 December) that it would not make a decision on the third runway at Heathrow until next year.
Environmental pressure group ClearSkies Hacan, which opposes a third runway at Heathrow, said a 'double whammy' of recession and political pressure could scotch plans to expand Heathrow.
John Stewart of ClearSkies Hacan said: "From our point of view, if the government was going to give the green light to expansion they would have done it in September.
"They are under pressure from Labour MPs to think again.
"The other factor is the whole question of recession. They seem to be thinking 'do we need to go through all this hassle when a third runway may not even be required?"
Airport owner BAA says the runway is vital for Heathrow to stay competitive.
However, it has been reported the cabinet is split over the third runway plan.
Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats oppose it and some Labour backbenchers have called for a rethink.
More than 140 MPs - including 50 Labour MPs - have signed a Commons motion urging the government to consider the alternatives to a new runway.
Conservative London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "This is the second time that the government have deferred the decision on the third runway at Heathrow.
"I, like many Londoners, hope that this is an indication that they are starting to listen to reason and take seriously the concerns of the many thousands of people who would be badly affected by the scheme."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said a final decision will be taken after "full consideration" of the environmental implications.
December 4, 2008