Speculation government is considering TWO new runways for southeast

Prime minister Theresa May has not ruled out building new runways at both Heathrow and Gatwick, it was revealed today.

Asked by reporters during a visit to New York if she supported more than one additional runway for the southeast, May would only say that she was considering her options.

She said: "We will look at the evidence that comes before us and we will then take a decision on the basis of that evidence.

"No a priori judgments as to what is going to happen. We will look at the evidence and take a decision."

The Airports Commission chaired by Howard Davies recommended more than a year ago that the much-needed additional runway be built at capacity-constrained Heathrow, with Gatwick cited as a viable second option.

However, the government must take the final decision on where it will actually built.

Previous PM David Cameron repeatedly postponed taking a decision, eventually handing the final call over to his successor May.

Trade unions last month called on her to approve a third runway for Heathrow, but so far the government has not indicated when a decision will be made.