Government response to Heathrow judicial review decision

“Airport expansion is a core part of boosting our global connectivity and levelling up across the UK and it is critical that vital infrastructure projects, including airport expansion, drive the whole UK economy.

“We have always been clear that Heathrow expansion is a private sector project which must meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed, affordable, and delivered in the best interest of consumers.

“The Court of Appeal ruled today that the Airports National Policy Statement designated by the previous Government did not take account of the Paris Agreement, non-CO2 emissions and emissions post 2050, and therefore has no legal effect unless and until the Government carries out a review.

“This Government has taken the decision not to appeal today’s judgment. We take seriously our commitments on the environment, clean air and reducing carbon emissions. We will carefully consider this complex judgment and set out our next steps in due course.”