MP Zac Goldsmith today claimed Heathrow will only be expanded if the environmental tests are “rigged”.
The Conservative London mayoral candidate said the campaign to stop building a third runway has been won and Heathrow is now “off the agenda”.
The government last month announced it would delay a decision on airport expansion until “at least next summer”. Internal politics was also been blamed for the delay following Goldsmith’s pledge to quit if Heathrow expansion is given the green light.
Current mayor Boris Johnson has also been one of the influential Conservative members who has spoken out against Heathrow.
Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Goldsmith said: "Heathrow cannot pass the air pollution test unless the test is rigged.
"If Heathrow passes the air pollution test and is given a green light, that could only mean that the test has been set in such a way that Heathrow was always going to pass it," he added.
"I'm not trusting anyone, I think Heathrow is off the agenda, I think we have won this campaign.
"The only way that Heathrow can be given the green light now is if the test is rigged."
Going electric
Heathrow has outlined further plans to reduce noise and emissions. It unveiled a £2 million scheme to install 135 more chargers for around 260 electric cars that will used in and around the airport.
Heathrow said new and quieter aircraft was also helping meet environmental targets and has pledged to provide funding for five local schools to install ‘adobe domes’ – outdoor constructions that protect pupils and teachers from noise outdoors.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, said: “2015 saw us commit to a series of action plans that will make us a better neighbour, by reducing noise, emissions and traffic. Today we are providing an update on the very significant progress already being made, thanks to the commitment of the airport community.
“But we know that we need to do more, and in the coming months will set out even more ambitious plans that will make an expanded Heathrow the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world.”