The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his weight behind Gatwick Airport’s controversial second runway despite opposition from environmental campaigners.

Sir Keir spoke to Metro at Downing Street just hours after Gatwick’s plan to open its emergency runway for routine use was given a green light by the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.

The plan will create 14,000 jobs and inject up to £1 billion into the economy, but campaigners and residents have not been swayed.

The PM defended the decision after accusations that airport expansion projects at Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton could hit the government’s net zero targets.

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