UK government approves controversial third Heathrow runway
The British government has flown in the face of strong opposition by backing a third runway at Heathrow airport.
The announcement by UK Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon of a go-ahead for the £9 billion expansion at Heathrow came after Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the needs of the economy and the environment had to be balanced.
Mr Hoon's decision means that the way is now open for a 7,200ft runway - likely to be completed around 2019/20 - to be constructed north of, and parallel to, Heathrow's existing two runways.
The new runway will lead to the destruction of the village of Sipson, with a dual carriageway road likely to go through the area's Cherry Tree cemetery.
The British government has faced fierce opposition, not only from local residents, environmental groups and local councils but also from Labour backbenchers.
MP John McDonnell was suspended from the Commons for five days after he picked up the mace during heated exchanges on the third runway at Heathrow.
He marched from the back benches down the steps before picking up the mace and placing it on an empty Labour front bench. Mr McDonnell shouted "It's a disgrace to the democracy of this country!" before leaving the chamber.
Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are also against expansion, preferring improved rail links to Heathrow instead.
In an attempt to mollify opponents of expansion, Mr Hoon announced plans for improved rail links from Heathrow. He also said that planes using the new runway would have to meet strict noise and air pollution targets.
The government and the pro-expansion lobby, which includes airlines, big business and some unions, believe expansion of the UK's biggest airport is essential for the economy of London and the UK. Building a new runway is likely to lead to the creation of 65,000 jobs.
