The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has now approved plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

London Gatwick welcomed the approval of Northern Runway plans, with Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports MD for United Kingdom saying: “This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2bn investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.”

The plans could mean an extra 40,000 flights before the second runway opens, and 70,000 when it is.

The Green Party were somewhat less enthusiastic, with party leader, Zack Polanski, saying: “Signing off on a second runway at Gatwick is a disaster. It ignores basic climate science and risks undermining efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Labour keeps wheeling out the same nonsense about growth, but at what cost?”

Not sure Zack has heard of Ed Miliband, but indeed it does demonstrate the tension between the need to maintain an economy whilst reducing carbon. And a question of where the balance lies, and consistency of actions. Indeed, more than anything, it would appear to be a decision that will confuse the public on the Government’s real message and messaging.

Gatwick's expansion follows Luton planned growth and Heathrow is also lobbying for another runway.

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