Back Heathrow, the 100,000 strong community campaign that supports a new runway for Heathrow says the Court of Appeal ruling that expansion was unlawful because it did not take climate commitments into account was hugely disappointing to local communities.

Local polling by Populus has shown that for many years in 16 of 18 constituencies around the airport more people support than oppose expansion.

Executive Director, Parmjit Dhanda said: “This court of appeal decision will be viewed with concern and anger by local communities who are desperate for the jobs and economic opportunities expansion would produce.

“Heathrow and the aviation industry already has a plan to meet Paris Agreement targets. We already know it can only happen by passing tough regulations on air quality, noise and carbon reduction.

“It’s an insult to Parliament, which voted for it with a huge majority. It’s also bad news for the trade unions and CBI, who backed it for the 180,000 new jobs it can deliver for local communities and the country.

“Government must take the initiative and amend its national policy statement to reflect the court decision on climate change targets and get on and build the new runway.”

“Failure to deliver Heathrow expansion hands the trading initiative to rival airports in Europe. More than ever, Britain needs more capacity at Heathrow if it is to take advantage of new trading opportunities.”