Environmentalists are delighted by the news - earlier this morning - that the Heathrow third runway decision has been postponed til the end of January.

With reports of splits among cabinet ministers (Hilary Benn and the Miliband brothers are the most vociferous opponents, I’m told) some see the delay as a sign that the project is doomed.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace, said the move was a sign that the “pro-runway faction” in government was in retreat.

“There’s been whispered talk of a cabinet split for weeks, but now it’s bursting into the open as more ministers realise that the business case for expansion is deeply flawed while the environmental case for blocking a new runway is overwhelming.”

But having spoken to Geoff Hoon this morning I’m not entirely sure.

Here is what he said:

“It is important that people see* that I am going the extra mile to demonstrate* that I have understood all of the revelant issues, “ he said.

* (These are my italics/emphasis)

December 4, 2008 11:59am in UK politics | Comment