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PM branded 'gutless' after delaying Heathrow decision

David Cameron has been accused of being "gutless" after a final decision on a third runway at Heathrow was delayed until at least next summer.

The government said yesterday that it had postponed the decision until a more detailed analysis on the environmental impact of expansion could take place.

While environmental groups and local campaigners welcomed the announcement, business leaders reacted with fury.

ITV News Business Editor Joel Hills said Gatwick - which has "less of a pollution problem and fewer local residents to upset" - "is back in the race".

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Gatwick chief welcomes ministers' delay on airport plan

Gatwick's chief executive has welcomed a further delay on a decision to add a third runway to Heathrow - saying it put his airport back on the table.

Stewart Wingate told ITV News that he believes ministers made the "sensible" decision.

He accused the Airports Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, of failing to properly look at the environmental aspects of aviation expansion - and said Gatwick was the more green-friendly option.

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