Heathrow expansion opportunity squandered, MPs say

Transport secretary urged to commit to timetable in light of Airports Commission report backing third runway

Delaying a decision on a third runway has "squandered the opportunity" to act on evidence and expand Heathrow, a cross-party committee of MPs said as it called on the government to commit to a clear timetable.

The Commons transport select committee described ministerial claims of progress in the decision-making process as "illusory" and demanded that the transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, make clear what the outstanding areas of contention were.