THE fight against the proposed Third Runway at Heathrow has received important backing as Labour MPs from across the country called on the Government to rethink their stance.

10 Labour MPs representing constituencies outside London tabled a Commons Motion yesterday (Monday) calling for the Government to give urgent consideration for high speed rail links across the country.

Author of the Motion, John Grogan, Labour MP for Selby, said: "There are increasing doubts in Government about pressing on regardless with the Third Runway.

"Given that airline traffic is now falling significantly the Government surely cannot continue to base its policy on a White Paper on airports dating back to 2003. To do so would discredit the new system of National Planning Policy Statements.

"Moreover the fact that the Government is now committed to including airline emissions in climate change policies is another big change from 2003."

John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, hailed the move, and believes this with the backing of Shadow Home Secretary Theresa Villiers should begin to put an end to the third runway plans.

He said: "This demonstrates that there is no majority in Parliament for pressing ahead with the third runway at Heathrow.

"The Government has now been given a way forward to rethink its aviation strategy builing a cross party consensus."