A new cross-party MP group against the expansion of Heathrow Airport has been launched in Westminster.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been set up to bring together politicians opposing a third runway and scrutinise the issues related to proposed expansion.

The group is co-chaired by Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and Ruth Cadbury , MP for Brentford and Isleworth, with Vince Cable MP for Twickenham as treasurer and Baroness Jenny Jones as vice chair.

Mr Goldsmith says the group will "question the case for a third runway at Heathrow."

He added: "The political support for the campaign against expansion is growing and the delay to the vote on the National Policy Statement (NPS) reflects the concern the government has about the possibility of defeat.”

Zac Goldsmith has taken up a new position

Meanwhile, Ms Cadbury highlighted she doesn't believe expansion is "deliverable" and there are "many unanswered questions."

She added: "There are far too many unanswered questions on key issues that affect our communities including the complete absence of information about flight paths, the questionable quality of the noise mitigation offer, the costs of the surface access improvements and the financial liabilities that will ultimately be picked up by taxpayers.”

MP Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford and Isleworth

Last week, transport secretary Chris Grayling stated the publication of the final Airport's National Policy Statement (NPS) setting out the position of the government and the ensuing House of Commons vote will not take place until the first half of next year, blaming the snap General Election for the delay.

He said: This government is fully committed to realising the benefits that a new northwest runway at Heathrow would bring, in terms of economic growth, boosting jobs and skills, strengthening domestic links and – critically – increasing and developing our international connectivity as we prepare to leave the European Union.

"The timing of the election, in particular the need to re-start a select committee inquiry into the draft Airports NPS means we now expect to lay any final NPS in Parliament in the first half of 2018, for a vote in the House of Commons."

He added that a further update would be provided following the House of Commons summer recess.

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