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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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McLoughlin: It is vital we take the time to get decision right

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has told ITV News he has no reason to apologise for delaying a decision on whether to allow a third runway to be built at Heathrow Airport.

He said it was vital that ministers could answer questions over noise and the environment before giving the green light.

He also defended keeping other options - including the expansion of Gatwick - open, despite the Airports Commission recommending Heathrow.

There are reasons why you could look at other options, and we've got to do that. We've got to do that in fairness to the people who live in and around the area.

It is right that we take the time to make this decision.

Gatwick is still definitely an option, Heathrow is an option.

– Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary
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PM branded 'gutless' after delaying Heathrow decision

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