Responding to the Government’s restated opposition to a third runway at Heathrow today, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

"Confirmation that the Coalition will keep its pledge not to build a third runway at Heathrow is welcome news – but the reality is the South East doesn’t need any airport expansion at all.

“Building more airports or runways would have an enormous impact on local communities and the environment and would seriously undermine UK efforts to tackle climate change.

“The economic case for expansion has not been made - London already has more flights to the world’s top business centres than any of its European competitors.

“Ministers should prioritise better public transport and encourage people to use trains instead of environment-wrecking short-haul flights.”

ENDS