MPs question Heathrow runway plan

Campaigners suggest a high speed rail-link instead of an extra runway

The government is being urged to reconsider its plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport by its own MPs.

MPs from all parties have signed a commons motion urging ministers to look at "alternative solutions" to take into account noise and air pollution.

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have already questioned the policy but 23 Labour MPs are among more than 50 who have signed the motion.

A decision on the runway at the west London airport will be made this year.

In its 2003 aviation White Paper, the government said it supported Heathrow's development subject to strict air quality and noise level targets being met and as long as public transport access could be improved.

Operator BAA has said Heathrow is "jam-packed" and needs a third runway to remain competitive globally, but environmentalists said the proposed expansion would have a serious impact on hundreds of thousands of homes in the area.

The momentum in the government is about the immediate future of the economy

John Grogan MP

The motion was tabled by backbench Labour MP John Grogan, who said senior ministers were currently "very much focused on the economy" rather than Heathrow's expansion.

"The momentum in the government is about the immediate future of the economy and issues like 42 days (detention) and school testing... it's amazing what has already been jettisoned," Mr Grogan said.

"Some ministers I've spoken to would say that this is also a distraction."

On Tuesday the government agreed to include aviation emissions in its commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

The 2M Group, made up of London councils and environmental groups, said a �20bn high speed cross country rail link with connections to Europe could replace the need to expand Heathrow.

This plan has been backed by Conservatives, who have promised to scrap the airport's expansion.