British government backs Heathrow Airport expansion

The British government made a long-awaited announcement Tuesday that it is backing a plan to expand London’s Heathrow Airport, amid intense opposition.

The Department for Transport said a third runway would allow better connections to growing world markets, boost trade and create tens of thousands of jobs.

It will be the first new full length runway in southeastern England since World War II.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called the step "truly momentous."

"I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the U.K.’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond," he said.

The new runway at the United Kingdom's biggest airport will bring up to $75 billion in economic benefits and create up to 77,000 additional jobs over the next 14 years, the government said.

Opponents of the plan, many of whom live near the west London airport, have cited issues including air pollution, the destruction of homes and noise.

Grayling said compensation and mitigation worth up to $3 billion would be offered, including community support, insulation and "respite from noise."

Caroline Lucas, a politician from the Green Party, tweeted that the government cannot expand Heathrow if it is "remotely serious about climate targets."

"Hoping opposition parties will join me in fighting this," she added.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said the government made the wrong decision "for London and the whole of Britain."

He said expanding the rival Gatwick airport, the U.K.'s second busiest airport located south of London and away from homes, "would have boosted our economy without the huge air and noise pollution problems Heathrow will create."

He said he would continue to challenge the decision.

A public consultation on the issue will take place next year, and the British Parliament will vote on the plan in about one year.