Heathrow expansion under threat as ministers revolt

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow could be in danger after it emerged Labour ministers are planning a revolt against the expansion.

Ministers are rumoured to be secretly planning to oppose the plans, fuelled by doubts as to whether it would be needed if flight numbers fall due to the credit crunch.

At least 48 Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs have signed a Commons motion urging the government to rethink its policy, reported the Evening Standard.

MP John Grogan said he had tabled the motion at the insistence of other senior ministers, who he refused to name.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers, who signed the motion, said: “There is a broad coalition of opinion against a third runway.

“The government should see sense on this issue and cancel the third runway that could cause so much damage to the quality of life and the environment.”