Heathrow message returns to haunt PM

GORDON Brown was today challenged to live up to his word and allow a Commons vote on plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

The Government is refusing to give MPs such a crucial say on the proposed expansion of the airport.But John Randall, Tory MP for Uxbridge, today threw Mr Brown's own words back at him during Prime Minister Questions.

After environmental campaigners got through Commons security to unfurl anti-third runway banners last year, the Prime Minister said: "The message should go out today very clearly that decisions in this country should be made in the chamber of this House and not on the roof of this House."

Today Mr Randall asked: "Will he now make a pledge that any further expansion of Heathrow will have a vote in this Chamber?"

Mr Brown refused to give such a guarantee but said there would be a debate on the issue if the Government approved a third runway. Labour rebels could seek to engineer a vote on the back of the debate.

The Prime Minister also said that there would be a public inquiry into such a development, which would be likely to take at least two years. The Conservatives have vowed to halt the building of a third runway if they win power but could face legal requirements to abide by existing planning consents.