World News! Third runway at Heathrow cleared for takeoff by ministers

World News! Third runway at Heathrow cleared for takeoff by ministers

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The government has approved a third runway at Heathrow to enlarge UK airport capacity.

Ministers approved the long-awaited decision at a cabinet committee meeting on Tuesday.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called the decision “truly momentous” and said expansion would support commerce and jobs.

However Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson – a vocal opponent of Heathrow – said a third runway was “undeliverable”.

The MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London doubted whether building would ever begin: “The day when the bulldozers appear is a long way off, if indeed they ever materialise.”

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, also said expanding the west London airport was the wrong choice for great britain and both London.

Greenpeace UK chief John Sauven said a third runway at Heathrow would increase air pollution and “be a waste of time, money and lives”.

A wide variety of unions and business groups welcomed the decision to expand Heathrow. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said it was “absolutely essential for Britain”, while CBI leader Paul Drechsler said it would create jobs and boost economic growth.

Heathrow direction said the airport was prepared to deliver a third runway that was “fair, affordable and secures the advantages of expansion for the whole of the UK”.

Expanding airport capacity is a political hot potato for a long time, which is why successive governments have tried to duck the issue.

It’s attracted the most opposition from MPs or under flight paths although Heathrow has been the favourite among businesses.