Runway 'will break CO2 limit'

BUILDING a third runway at Heathrow would make it "impossible" to meet legally binding targets on air pollution, the head of the Environment Agency watchdog will warn today.

Chris Smith is to give a speech which will heap more pressure on ministers not to approve expansion plans.

Lord Smith, a former Labour culture secretary, will tell his agency's annual conference: "The Government has committed itself to rigorous targets to reduce CO2 emissions 80 per cent by 2050, which now include aviation and shipping. It is impossible to see how they would be achieved if the current plans for a third runway go ahead."

Geoff Hoon, the Transport Secretary, is expected to ignore mounting opposition and give the go-ahead for a third runway next month.

The runway could open in 2020.