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Cameron says no to second runway at Stansted Airport

A second runway will not be built at Stansted Airport if the Conservative party is elected to government.

Party leader David Cameron said that the Conservatives do not support the proposed £2 billion plan to expand the Essex airport.

Mr Cameron said: "We have never supported plans for a second runway at Stansted.

"What we support is the high-speed rail link option which we are looking at which we think could radically reduce the number of internal flights that are necessary and therefore take the pressure off airport expansion."

Campaigners against the plans for an additional runway, including the Stop The Expansion (STE) group, have welcomed the announcement.

Carol Barbone from STE said: "To hear it from the leader following hints and comments from local spokesmen is very good news indeed."

But the statement has angered Stansted Airport authorities who point to increasing use of the facility and the benefits expansion could have for the region.

A statement on the airport's website argues 13,000 new jobs, increased choice and improved service to passengers as among the reasons for the proposed expansion.

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