Heathrow third runway – when did MPs vote in favour of expansion and how big was the majority?

MPs voted in favour of a controversial new runway at Heathrow Airport after decades of delays and U-turns.

Theresa May’s government threw its support behind the expansion of the airport. Let’s take a look at how the important vote went.

How did MPs vote on the proposed third runway at Heathrow?

On June 25 MPs voted in favour of a third runway at Heathrow Airport with a 296 majority.

The vote saw 415 Ayes to 119 Noes - with the Ayes taking it.

There was earlier some speculation the Prime Minister would insist on a ‘three line whip’ to force Tory backbenchers to back the plans.

On June 5, 2018, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the Government’s support for the much-delayed project in the Commons following a Cabinet meeting in No.10.

Boris Johnson, a vocal critic of the third runway proposal before entering the cabinet, missed the vote.

The Foreign Secretary once said he would "lie down in front of the bulldozers" but was instead out of the country at the decisive time after flying to Afghanistan to meet officials.

The Foreign Secretary, who could have been forced to quit the Government if he had voted against them, was mocked for failing to appear with MPs shouting "where's Boris?".

What happens next?

The government hopes to receive final planning permission and begin construction in 2021.

The plans will create 114,000 extra jobs in the area around the airport by 2030, with an extra 16 million long-haul seats by 2040, according to officials.

But legal action is likely, with many residents and environmental groups opposed to the runway over concerns about noise and emissions.

They are expected to launch a High Court challenge on the grounds that the Government's decision to support the scheme is unlawful.

A Labour victory in a general election could also cast doubt on the project, given the opposition of shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

If everything does run smoothly, airlines could begin using the new runway by the end of 2025.

Which areas would be affected?

Residents in Heston, Osterley Park, Brentford and parts of Chiswick and Hammersmith are likely to be affected by the new flight path.

Homes of nearby villages including Longford, Harmondsworth and Sipson could be demolished to make space for the scheme.

What would the noise level be?

John Stewart, chair of Hacan campaign group said communities will "face a tsunami of noise".

The Department for Transport said 973,000 people will be affected by noise, and by 2030, an extra 92,700 will also be impacted.

Greenpeace said MPs support for the project was "ironic" as it came on World Environment Day.

With an extra 700 planes a day, campaigners believe the runway will breach UK's legal limits on noise pollution.

Around £700million is set to be available to fund noise insulation measures for those who decide to stay.

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