Speculation is growing that the decision over Heathrow’s third runway could be delayed again after Gordon Brown agreed to meet with Labour backbenchers to discuss their concerns.
The government had been expected to approve plans for the expansion of Heathrow this week. However, Brown faced a backlash from Labour MPs yesterday and has now promised them a further meeting. Downing Street and Department for Transport would only confirm that the decision would happen “in January”.
Meanwhile, a Greenpeace coalition announced today that it has bought up a large piece of land earmarked for Heathrow’s third runway.
The campaigners, who include actress Emma Thompson, impressionist Alistair McGowan and Liberal Democrat MP Susan Kramer, bought the land for an undisclosed fee. They have pledged not to sell the land to the government or BAA if the expansion gets the green light.
Last night hundreds of protestors descended on Terminal 1 for a sit-down protest. The campaigners from activist groups Climate Rush and Airport came dressed in Edwardian costumes to reflect the “civilised” efforts of their ancestors.
Pro-aviation group Flying Matters said new job opportunites would be lost if the expansion does not go ahead. Chairman Rt Hon Brian Wilson said: “The long term growth in international visitors and global trade is expected to create thousands of new jobs throughout the UK in hotels, visitor attractions, restaurants as well as high value, high tech jobs in key sectors. That’s in addition to the half a million jobs currently supported by the aviation industry itself.