The government’s long-awaited decision on which London airport will get a new runway will finally be announced today.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will make the announcement in the House of Commons at about 12.30pm.
A public consultation will then be held on the effects of the chosen expansion before the government takes a final decision when MPs vote next winter.
Theresa May admitted last week that the important decision had been “delayed for too long”, adding during Prime Minister’s Questions that it had been "debated, discussed and speculated on for 40 years".
The Heathrow plan is expected to be met with immediate opposition from MPs including foreign secretary Boris Johnson and former London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith.
Tory MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, Mr Goldsmith has promised to resign and re-run as an independent candidate if the expansion of Heathrow goes ahead.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson pledged to personally “lie down” in front of bulldozers to prevent the extra runway.
Environmental campaigners concerned about the effects of airport expansion on climate change are also expected to gather near Heathrow and Gatwick airports ahead of the announcement.
