Transport Secretary Defends Heathrow Expansion Decision Delay

The UK's Transport Secretary has defended the latest delay of Heathrow's new runway after opponents of the airport expansion attempt to claim victory.

In a speech designed to appease intense criticism over the government's decision to push back the final decision on Heathrow Airport's third runway, Patrick McLoughlin will argue it was "the responsible thing to do". The decision has been pushed back until after the London mayoral election and the EU referendum after the government failed to meet its promise of action by the end of 2015.

Mr McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

"Of course I know that many in the industry were disappointed that we delayed the final decision.

"It wasn't something I took lightly. But when opponents of expansion hailed the delay as some sort of victory they could not have been more wrong.

"The decision was delayed because it was the right thing to do. The responsible thing to do. To make sure we're fully prepared. So we know from the outset that we will get the job finished."

The decision was labelled "gutless" by the British Chambers of Commerce and "deeply disappointing" by the Confederation of British Industry.

If you want to make a compensation claim after your flight was delayed, contact our flight delay solicitors on 0845 603 0708 for advice.

National Solicitors

Flight Delay Compensation

Manchester