HILLINGDON's three MPs have united to apply further pressure on the Government in the wake of its decision to delay making a judgement on Heathrow expansion.

The three politicans have devoted themselves throughout their careers to opposing a third runway at the airport and have been among the most outspoken against BAA's plan.

John McDonnell (Lab), MP for Hayes and Harlington, was most scathing in his response to Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon's announcement earlier today (Thursday) that the decision will now be made in January.

He said: "The Government is now in total disarray over this issue.

"They've delayed again, I believe, because they have finally realised just how overwhelming the opposition is. They are going to have to have a serious rethink.

"I want a decision as fast as possible, and I want that decision to be a 'No'

"People may say this is because of the pressure on them from other issues, but I think they could easily have made the decision now as they promised.

"The game is well and truely up for them."

Uxbridge MP John Randall (Con) added: "It is disappointing in so much as people now have longer to wait to know where they stand.

"If however, this delay is proof the Government are getting serious cold feet then I welcome that, although I am not convinced that is the case.

"They have a track record of delaying difficult decisions. They are going through a bad patch right now and that may be why they've really decided to delay."

Ruislip Northwood MP Nick Hurd echoed his fellow politician's comments and added: "I hope we can take encouragement from this, if it reflects the Government's desire to think more carefully.

"However, it may be that they were just trying to delay handing us an unwelcome Christmas surprise."