Government to decide in New Year
The UK government said today (December 4) it had put off a decision on a third runway for Heathrow Airport until January.
A verdict on the plan which is widely opposed had been expected before Christmas.
Industry and trade union leaders and airlines back the project.
But it is opposed by environmentalists, local residents, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and dozens of backbench Labour MPs.
In a statement, transport secretary Geoff Hoon, said the government backed a third runway because of its economic benefits to the UK.
But any development must meet "strict local conditions on air quality, noise and improving public transport access."
Mr Hoon added: "Since being appointed Secretary of State for Transport in October, I have had the opportunity to hear views from across the House in debate on 5 November and to begin considering the evidence, including the 70,000 responses to the consultation.
"I share the desire on all sides of the House, and among the wider public for this issue to be resolved. I am equally aware of the importance of reaching the right conclusion.
"I know that there are strong views across a range of interests. I will ensure that I give proper consideration to the evidence before me and will therefore take more time before making an announcement to the House, in January 2009."
Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers accused prime minister Gordon Brown of "dithering" over the future of Heathrow.
She added: "He's been saying for months that the Government would make a decision on Heathrow this year. First it was the Summer, then December, now it's slipped again.
"They are in disarray on this issue, with over 50 Labour backbenchers backing a Commons motion opposing Government policy.
"Opposition to a third runway is gathering momentum every day. I suspect this postponement is an indication that Gordon Brown is finally starting to realise that he is on the wrong side of the debate on Heathrow.
"We need to make Heathrow better not bigger and the best way to do that is to provide a high speed rail alternative to thousands of short haul flights now contributing to the overcrowding problems at the airport."
BA which backs plans for the extra runway said it was "disappointing" that the decision had been put off as the project had already been subject to six years of public scrutiny.
The airline added: "We accept this is a complex decision that requires careful consideration.
"But we remain convinced that construction of a short, third runway is absolutely essential.
"UK businesses must be provided with the kind of high-quality worldwide connectivity that is necessary for success in a globalised economy."
BAA, owners of Heathrow, said: "Given the complexity of the issues involved, we understand why the Government is taking further time to consider these matters.
"We welcome the fact that the Government has now committed to making a decision in January on how we keep Heathrow and this country globally competitive by maintaining our direct access to the world."
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