Third Heathrow runway wins backing

A collection of businesses has backed plans for a third runway to be built at Heathrow on condition it meets strict environmental standards.

The group, which contains the British Chambers of Commerce, argued the runway was essential for the UK to continue to offer direct access to economic strongholds such as China and India.

The CBI also backed the campaign to extend Heathrow, which has provoked fury from environmentalists.

"A third runway, built and operated within the strict environmental limits set by government, will ensure that Heathrow is able to provide the quality services that business and other travellers need," said CBI director general Richard Lambert.