Eco clash in the wings as new runway gets the nod

TRANSPORT Secretary Heidi Alexander has said she is “minded to approve” a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

- By Steph Spyro Deputy Political Editor

This is despite Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband voicing a more sceptical tone about the airport's push hailed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Ms Alexander said she supported the broad principle of allowing the emergency runway at Gatwick to be brought into routine use.

But she extended the deadline for a final decision until October because more details needed to be considered.

The main stumbling blocks facing the proposals relate to provisions for noise prevention and public transport.

Ahead of her statement to the Commons yesterday, the minister said: “I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco warrior. I love flying - I always have.”