Downing Street has responded to claims that Heathrow Airport runway decisions will be delayed due to environmental concerns by saying a "clear direction" will emerge before Christmas.

A spokesman told GetwestLondon that Prime Minister David Cameron has every intention of "coming back to Parliament before Christmas with a clear direction" on where they will go regarding the airport expansion decision.

When asked if a final decision is due to be made before 2016, the spokesman said: "It is exactly the same as the Transport Secretary set out in June."

Last week, Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell told Getwestlondonhe is not expecting a definitive answer on the expansion decision this year.

Protesters opposed to the decision took to the streets last week to show residents in the location of the proposed runway what noise pollution would accompany it .

Mr Cameron has been critiqued by several Labour MP's after The Times published a report which claimed no decision would be made for another six months to allow the airport to show it has met pollution targets appropriate for air quality standards.

Mr Cameron has previously said the decision will be announced before Christmas 2015.

However, a full cabinet discussion will not happen until the Environmental Audit Committee meets on Thursday.

MP Huw Irranca-Davies, chairman of the committee, said: "The purpose of this inquiry was not to reopen the debate.

"It was to examine the implications of the Airports Commission’s recommendation for a third runway on climate-changing emissions, air quality and noise."

The Labour MP added: "To defer dealing with the environmental impact of a third runway would be irresponsible and could lead to legal challenges as a result of the potential damage to public health from increased air pollution and noise."