Heathrow expansion "incredibly misguided"

The decision taken by the UK labour government to expand Heathrow airport is "incredibly misguided", according to one expert.

Roads and climate campaigner for the Campaign for Better Transport Richard George has called transport secretary Geoff Hoon's approval of the expansion "staggering".

"[It's] as though he has never heard of climate change", said Mr George.

He added that the government is "also really over-reliant on incredibly optimistic data from BAA who own the airport, who have the most vested interest in the expansion".

Under the plans a third runway will be constructed at the hub, increasing the number of flights that can operate from the airport. However, the plans have come up against opposition from local residents, environmental groups and Conservative London mayor Boris Johnson.

These comments come after Mr Hoon stated that the third runway will "help secure jobs" and "ensure that Britain remains place where the world can come to do business".