As was widely expected, the Government has backed plans to expand Heathrow. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the decision to approve a third runway is ‘truly momentous’. In a statement released moments ago, he said:
‘I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond.’
This morning’s news isn’t much of a surprise, with the Prime Minister signalling last week that she favoured choosing Heathrow over Gatwick, in a decision that matches the Airport Commission’s recommendation.
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So what happens now? Despite Grayling suggesting today marks an end to the ‘years of discussion and delay’, we can expect more discussion and delay. Ministers who have previously spoken out against expanding Heathrow will be granted a ‘set period’ of time to continue to voice their opposition.
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