The leader of Richmond Council has welcomed the Conservatives commitment to scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow in their general election manifesto.

Shadow transport minister Julian Brazier told the Tory party conference in Manchester opposition to the project remains “absolutely firm”.

Council leader Serge Lourie said: “I am delighted the Conservative Party has now joined the Liberal Democrats in opposing the expansion of Heathrow airport.

“The all-party 2M Group has been campaigning on this issue for many years and we welcome allies.”

Mr Brazier told the conference the Conservatives wanted to focus on improving capacity at regional airports and build more high-speed trains.

Geraldine Nicholson, chairwoman of campaign group No Third Runway Action Group, said: ‘We have known for a while the Conservatives were planning to scrap plans for the third runway at Heathrow.

“We welcome the news it is in their election manifesto and, should the Conservatives form the next Government, we will be working with our MPs to ensure that promise is kept.”

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