New moves on aircraft noise - Cable

12.00.00am GMT Mon 5th Nov 2007

The debate on airport expansion has seen several new twists: The publication of research data showing that hundreds of thousands of Londoners, and a large population of the borough's population, are disturbed by aircraft noise; Confirmation that proposals for a third runway and more intensive use of existing runways are being put back until the end of the year at the soonest; and the Queens' Speech (due on Tuesday morning) will contain proposals for planning powers for major projects, like airports, to be transferred from councils to a new government planning quango.

Vincent Cable, Lib Dem MP for Twickenham, said:

"the Heathrow expansion debate increasingly resembles a collision between an irresistible force and an immovable object. The government seems determined to push ahead with expansion plans. But the environmental arguments - both global in terms of Co2 emissions and local in terms of noise - are becoming irresistible. I hope the government and the airport company BAA appreciate what they are up against".