Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants to make air pollution a key campaign issue over the next year which could have “significant implications” for expansion at Heathrow.
In a memo to senior members of his party, seen by The Independent, Corbyn warned that a third runway at Heathrow could worsen the government’s “dreadful record on air quality”.
The decision by the Airports Commission to recommend expansion at Heathrow has been criticised over air pollution levels at the west London hub which currently exceed EU regulations.
A decision is expected to be made on expansion by the end of the year.
“One issue that I want us to highlight over the next few months is the Government’s dreadful record on air quality and the more than 50,000 premature deaths a year it is estimated this causes,” the memo said.
“This is brought into sharp relief by the Volkswagen Diesel deceit story which we should pursue energetically… (But) the issue also has significant implications for any decision on airport expansion. I would encourage you to work closely together on this.”
A party source said: “Jeremy is clear that he expects Labour to now oppose a third runway at Heathrow. It is now up to the Government to decide what to do.”
If Corbyn officially opposes Heathrow expansion he will join a list of influential MPs who have also spoke out against it, including Sadiq Kahn, Boris Johnson and Zac Goldsmith.
Last week, Heathrow published images of what a third runway would like.