Tory revolt fears as new runway set for approval

A THIRD runway at Heathrow is set to be given the go-ahead today after Cabinet ministers signalled the Government would back the findings of an independent review.

Business Secretary Greg Clark told the Mail ministers would act on the ‘best possible independent advice’ when taking the decision at today’s special committee meeting.

Two other Cabinet members on the committee said they would be surprised if the Airports Commission expansion recommendation was not approved.

It is a clear indication the Government will accept the advice of commission chairman Sir Howard Davies – and reject the threat of a Tory revolt.

Sir Howard concluded last year that a third runway at Heathrow was a better option than a second at Gatwick.

This week he said the case was ‘overwhelming’, with Brexit underlining the need for a ‘clear strategic decision’.

But approving the plan risks a Cabinet split – with opposition from Boris Johnson, whose constituency is near the airport. Education Secretary Justine Greening, whose Putney constituency in South-West London is on the flight path, is also likely to voice opposition, while backbench Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith has threatened to resign if Heathrow is chosen.

Mrs May also faces delays as town hall leaders have pledged to ‘do whatever it takes’ to prevent expansion.

Four Tory councils – including the authority covering her own constituency – have planned a legal challenge. Today the PM will chair an airport sub- committee meeting before Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announces the decision at about 12.30pm.

Mrs May’s spokesman yesterday said: ‘The PM thinks tomorrow will be an important opportunity to demonstrate the Government is getting on and taking vital national decisions, taking decisions in the national interest to enhance Britain’s infrastructure and show we are open for business.’

Mr Clark said ministers would be ‘undistracted by vested interests or easy headlines’ and extra airport capacity was vital for the country to make the most of Brexit.

But Richmond council leader Lord True said: ‘We have a fighting fund and will take whatever action is necessary.’

MPs on the Commons transport committee last week raised concerns a decision may be ‘bogged down by a decade of legal challenges’.

But Mr Grayling said he believed opponents would abide by the ‘will of Parliament’ after MPs vote on the decision in winter 2017/18. The Commons ballot will follow public consultation over details of planning proposals.

Lord True said: ‘We already have half a million flights going over us every year and the worst air quality in Britain. We’ve done our bit.’

The councils have been backed by Greenpeace.

Wandsworth council leader Ravi Govindia said that ‘Heathrow expansion will create unlawful and untenable noise, air pollution and health impacts’.

Gatwick has made a last-ditch attempt to call for its own expansion, with chairman Sir Roy McNulty writing to Cabinet’s airport sub-committee.

Heathrow sources yesterday said that they were not worried about legal challenges.

‘We will take any action necessary’