LAWYERS representing a coalition of local authorities opposed to Heathrow expansion will be urging the High Court on Monday to quash the plans.

Five councils, along with the Mayor of London and Greenpeace, say a third runway can only be built by demolishing thousands of homes and making life noisier and unhealthier for millions in London and the Home Counties.

The Transport Secretary’s decision in favour of a north-west runway is being challenged by Hillingdon, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Richmond and Windsor & Maidenhead councils. They are joined in the Judicial Review by the Mayor of London and Greenpeace.

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The coalition claims the Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, ignored crucial facts when adopting the Airport National Policy Statement.

John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, said: "The Climate Minister has admitted we're in the grip of a climate emergency.

"The Environment Secretary has declared air pollution one of the biggest threats to public health in the UK.

“So how can ministers justify building a runway that's bound to make both problems much worse?”