Tory-Lib Dem Coalition Would Consider "All Options" .... Except Heathrow Expansion

In his Autumn Statement to Parliament, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne (pictured) said the British government is "considering all options" for a "new airport hub."

The move is a shift for the Tory - Liberal Democrat coalition government, which had recently vetoed an airport expansion southeast of London. Plans have been discussed for a new airport in the Thames Estuary, and Osborne's statement is being viewed as a sign the government would be receptive to a new airport, according to a report in Air and Business Travel News. “We believe that the economic case for the Thames Hub is compelling as Britain is already losing out to expanding European hubs,” said Lord Norman Foster reacting to Osborne's speech.

But a transcript of Osborne's statement posted by The Financial Times of London said there would be no third runway added at Heathrow. New runways at Gatwick and Stansted airports have also been ruled out. The paper reports that the government is being pressured to expedite aviation policy so that the UK does not lose out on trade opportunities.

FMI: http://www.conservatives.com/People/Members_of_Parliament/Osborne_George.aspx