Boris Johnson to defy Theresa May by flying out of the country to ‘avoid voting on controversial Heathrow expansion’
BORIS JOHNSON is planning to defy Theresa May on Heathrow expansion by flying out of the country to avoid a vote, it was claimed.
Sources said the Foreign Secretary – a fierce opponent of the move – has told colleagues he will get round an order to support a proposed third runway by heading overseas on business.
The claims came on the eve of a Cabinet showdown over the much delayed expansion plan.
The plans for a third runway are to be thrashed out by a Cabinet sub-committee before being debated by Theresa May’s full senior ministerial team.
A vote is expected next month with speculation the PM will insist on a ‘three line whip’ to force Tory backbenchers to back the plans.
Mr Johnson has previously vowed to “lie down in front of bulldozers” to stop a third runway being built. As London Mayor he lobbied for the construction of a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary.
A spokesman for Boris Johnson declined to comment.
But one ally admitted his position “hasn’t changed”.
The International Air Transport Association warned that countries around the world were failing to invest in new airport capacity.
Heathrow insiders said the airport was willing to agree new concessions on night flights and air quality to secure Government support.
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