Heathrow expansion

Protests at Stansted this month could be precursors of trouble at Heathrow

Monday, 15, Dec 2008 12:00

A Cabinet rift has opened over the planned extension of Heathrow airport after Hilary Benn said he was troubled about the environmental ramifications.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mr Benn said he was concerned the UK would not meet its obligations to reducing the impact of climate change if the planned extension goes ahead.

This view is shared by other cabinet ministers like Ed and David Miliband and Harriet Harman and could potentially cause a fissure in the ranks.

The extension at Heathrow is expected to be approved next month.