MPs plot to force runway vote

REBEL Labour MPs are defying Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon by plotting to force a Commons vote on a third runway at Heathrow.

Mr Hoon last week ruled out a vote, saying he would decide whether to give the go-ahead. But the Standard can reveal that Labour MPs are engaged in talks with the Tory and Lib-Dem frontbenches over securing a Commons showdown. It would make it far harder for Gordon Brown and Mr Hoon to allow a third runway if a majority of MPs are shown to be opposed to it.

Nearly 60 Labour MPs are among more than 120 who have signed a Commons motion tabled by John Grogan MP urging the Government to consider a high-speed rail link instead. One Labour backbencher said: "I think there will be a vote in the New Year. If ministers think the third runway is a done deal, they could be jumping the gun."