The Labour Party is set to vote against a third runway at Heathrow airport, according to a report today in the Financial Times.
The FT says senior allies of leader Jeremy Corbyn say Labour MPs are ‘almost certain’ to block the plans, mainly on the issue of air quality.
Labour’s election manifesto said it would have to be satisfied that certain environmental conditions are met for it to back the plans.
Corbyn has always had reservations about the airport and, now in a more powerful position since the election, supporters say he has more freedom to impose his own will.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, whose constituency is close to Heathrow, is a strong opponent of the expansion.
As many as 60 Tory MPs are also believed to be opposed to the expansion of Heathrow, although Government officials said this figures is wildly over-stated.
A vote is expected to take place in the first half of next year.
