New airport plans to be examined

David Cameron has acknowledged the need for more airport capacity in the South East and said ministers would study the case for a new airport in the Thames estuary.

The Prime Minister insisted the UK must not give up its status as a major global hub for air travel, although he acknowledged the issue was "controversial". In a speech setting out his long-term "vision" for British infrastructure, he said the coalition's aviation strategy would include "an examination of the pros and cons" of a new Thames estuary airport.