Ministers have delayed their decision about expanding Heathrow following claims the move could be racist.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly was expected to make an announcement next month but confirmed yesterday the ruling would not happen until some time 'before the end of the year'.

She said the deadline had been extended so the government could complete its 'Equalities Impact Assessment', which should have been included in the original consultation document.

Campaigners claimed plans to end the Cranford Agreement, which prevents easterly departures from the airport's northern runway, could be racist because those affected would be mainly from ethnic minorities.