Heathrow expansion should face strict environmental conditions, say MPs

Government urged not to sign off on third runway until airport shows it accepts key noise and emissions targets

Final government approval for the expansion of Heathrow should be withheld until Europe's busiest airport can demonstrate that it accepts and will comply with key environmental conditions, a parliamentary committee has concluded.

MPs on the environmental audit committee have been hearing evidence on the likely carbon emissions, air quality and noise levels after the government-appointed Airports Commission recommended a third runway at Heathrow as the preferred plan for London airport expansion.