CAMPAIGNERS for the environment queued up to condemn the Cabinet backing for a third runway at Heathrow.

Jenny Bates, of Friends of the Earth, said: “Heathrow expansion would be bad news for our climate and bring more noise, air pollution and misery to local residents.

“MPs must stand-up for local people and our environment and vote against this scheme.”

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP, said: "It’s a sick joke that the Government would choose World Environment Day to confirm its plans to expand Heathrow.

“The European Commission is already taking the UK Government to court for failing to tackle illegal levels of air pollutio]. This decision will only exacerbate this problem."

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Long-established residents group HACAN said many communities would face ‘a tsunami of noise’ if a third runway went ahead. 

It said many people’s lives would be changed forever as a result of the noise from the 700 extra planes a day that would use the airport.

HACAN chairman John Stewart said: “We will continue to oppose a new runway but, obviously, if it becomes inevitable, we will fight for the best conditions possible for residents.” 

A number of local authorities, including Hillingdon, are expected to challenge any Parliamentary vote in the courts.