Trade minister quits over construction of Heathrow's third runway
Greg Hands quit as trade minister on Thursday so as to be able to more freely oppose the expansion of London Heathrow airport in a vote in the House of Commons next week.
Hands who represents the district right under the flight path, Hammersmith and Fulham, vowed to do his best to try and block construction of a third runway
The minister wrote a tweet on Thursday announcing his decision: "As the Government will be whipping the vote on Monday, this means I am resigning from the Government. It has been an honour to serve the Prime Minister (and her predecessor) for the last 7 years and I wish the PM & the Government every continuing success."
He has resigned because staying in the government would imply voting for the runway, since ministers are expected to vote with the government.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has also campaigned openly against the expansion and once pledged to sit in front of the bulldozers to stop it, will not attend the vote as he will be in Luxemburg that day.
Downing Street said Mr Hands had "served the government with great ability and distinction over several years, and we thank him for all of his work".
Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson suggested on Twitter the resignation should make the PM reconsider on giving its ministers a free vote: "It's not too late for her to change whipping arrangements. This would also allow Boris Johnson to re-enter the country."
A spokesman for Downing Street said: "This government is committed to expanding airport capacity at Heathrow - this is an important decision which will play a crucial role in securing the future of global Britain."
Although the expansion would bring in more passengers, with 700 more planes a day and £70bn in total economic benefits by the 2050s, campaigners argue that the UK will breach the legal limits on air pollution and increase noise contamination.
Residents nearby will suffer the consequences of the increased activity and hundreds of homes may need to be knocked down as a result.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Thursday he would join a legal challenge against the runway if it’s approved by Parliament.
Khan would said he would join four councils and Greenpeace said it would seek a judicial review if plans are given the go-ahead: "I will do what I can to stop these poor plans," said the Mayor during his question time.
Whilst running for Mayor, Khan openly supported expanding Gatwick Airport instead of Heathrow.
He said: "While I believe in a better Heathrow, I do not believe a bigger Heathrow is the right answer for London and I remain committed to opposing such a short-sighted decision.
"This will be a critical moment, and for the sake of Londoners affected by poor air quality, disruption from noise and the costs needed to improve transport connections I will do what I can to stop these poor plans."