Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has claimed the government’s plans are ‘undeliverable’ while Zac Goldsmith, a former candidate for London Mayor, has resigned as Conservative MP for North Kingston and Richmond Park in protest.
Goldsmith, who is a long-time opponent of Heathrow’s expansion plans, had previously pledged to trigger a by-election in his constituency and run as an independent candidate if the government approved a third runway.
Windsor and Maidenhead borough council, which lies close to the west London airport, has vowed to spend £50,000 to challenge the planned Heathrow expansion.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who announced the government’s decision yesterday, said: "It would be impossible to deliver a project like this without some people disagreeing with the strategy.
"We’ve taken a view that where people have direct constituency concerns and interests they should have the freedom to articulate those long-held views.
"But this is about taking the right decision for the United Kingdom."
Meanwhile Gatwick said it ‘stands ready’ to proceed with a second runway if the Heathrow plan fails.
