Third Runway

So we've heard that, at long last and after much faffing around, the government will finally announce its decision on that third runway tomorrow. I have to add the 'probably' caveat as it's been delayed many times before but I doubt anyone will be slack-jawed if they give Heathrow expansion a big thumbs-up.

Despite the enormity of this decision, and the ramifications for people around the world, Gordon Brown has refused to promise a vote in the Commons on the issue. John Randall MP referred back to the day Plane Stupid sat on the roof of the house when he waggishly reminded Brown what he said at the time.

Greenpeace welcoming the opening of the new international terminal at St Pancras last year © Will Rose/Greenpeace

Almost a year ago to the day, we went along to St Pancras to welcome the opening of the new international terminal with an enormous Yes! banner. Our point was of course that the UK doesn't need new runways, we need new high speed rail links; then, as now, there were at least 100,000 flights a year between Heathrow and destinations easily reachable by train.

Since then, the Tories have not only opposed the third runway at Heathrow, they've also warned companies that they "should be very, very careful" about getting involved in any contract for a third runway as the Tories were "absolutely determined" to stop the project.