Mayor of London Sadiq Khan publicly supported proposals to expand Gatwick airport, rather than Heathrow.

Responding to the announcement on expansion, he said: “An expanded Gatwick would have boosted our economy without causing these huge air and noise pollution problems and it could be built quicker and cheaper.

“I will continue to challenge this decision and I am exploring how I can best be involved in any legal process over the coming months.

On the other side of the debate, SNP transport spokesman Drew Hendry told the BBC Heathrow was "the best option for Scotland."

Green co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: “The decision to expand Heathrow tramples over the concerns of local people and puts a wrecking ball through the Government’s claim to be concerned about climate change.

“The truth is that the Government went into this process with their eyes shut to the only sensible option: stopping airport expansion. Instead they’ve pitched two mega airports against each other and is now ploughing ahead with this disastrous expansion at Heathrow."

Business organisations have been quick to respond to the government's announcement that it is backing a third runway at Heathrow airport. 

Paul Drechsler, president of the business organisation the CBI, said: “The Prime Minister’s green light to expand the UK’s aviation capacity comes as an enormous relief to firms in every corner of the country.

“A new runway at Heathrow is really fantastic news, especially as the country has waited nearly 50 years for this decision.

“With contracts to tender for, apprentices to recruit and supply chains to build, this decision must be taken forward swiftly, giving businesses the confidence to invest," he added. 

The Institute of Directors has also taken a view on Heathrow. 

IOD Senior Adviser Dan Lewis said: “The future success of the British economy will depend upon companies being able to continue and expand trade with the world, particularly beyond Europe. For that to happen there have to be enough flights to the destinations firms want. 

"Heathrow is already full, and Gatwick will be full soon, so more capacity is vital. Only 3% of IoD members think the current number of runways is sufficient for the long-term.

“That said, IoD members also want the Government to keep an eye on the public subsidy that goes towards the new runway. We would like to see Heathrow commit to taking on more of the cost of the transport links that get people there. 

"We have to be realistic that it may take time for the expansion to get planning permission in the face of legal challenges, so the Government must also look at interim solutions. Ministers should consider options including increasing capacity on the trainline from London to Gatwick and lifting the annual cap on flights at Stansted, combined with a faster train service.

 “We also shouldn’t forget that the Davies Commission process set up a false choice between Heathrow and Gatwick. There remain good arguments for expansion at Gatwick on grounds of competition and cost, and Ministers should keep their options open for a second runway there.”

House of Commons
Parliament

Mark Field, who is the Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, calls for "access to the single market for financial services", even if this means making a financial contribution to the EU after the UK leaves.

Treasury minister David Gauke says it does "not make sense to bind our hands [or] close down options" ahead of Brexit negotiations.

What ministers say - and what they have said in the past - on Heathrow expansion.

The decision to opt for a new runway at Heathrow is the latest chapter in a 50-year saga - but how much have the delays cost the UK economy?

Eleanor Garnier
Political Correspondent

The government has set out some proposed terms for the third runway at Heathrow:

• Ring-fencing a suitable proportion of new slots for domestic routes, to ensure enhanced connectivity within the UK.
• The government will propose that a six-and-a-half hour ban on scheduled night flights will be introduced for the first time at Heathrow and will make more stringent night noise restrictions a requirement of expansion. The timing of this ban will be determined through consultation.
• The government proposes new legally binding noise targets, encouraging the use of quieter planes, and a more reliable and predictable timetable of respite for those living under the final flight path. The airport has also pledged to provide over £700 million for noise insulation for residential properties.
• Modernising the use of our air space will boost the sector and will help to further reduce noise and carbon emissions. Proposals will be brought forward to support improvements to airspace and how to manage noise, including the way in which affected communities can best be engaged and whether there is a role for a new independent aviation noise body as the Airports Commission recommended.

House of Commons
Parliament

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie says the UK's trade balance with the EU "has gone into reverse" and calls on the chancellor to "rule out a hard Brexit", which would mean withdrawal from the single market and customs union.

This would be a threat to jobs and exports, he argues.

Philip Hammond tells him that "we will seek to get the very best deal we can with the European Union that maximises the amount of trade in goods and services".

Jo Coburn is joined by Kulveer Ranger, the former London Deputy Mayor for Transport under Boris Johnson, to discuss the decision about airport expansion.

They will also look at discuss government outsourcing, and press regulation with Max Mosley and Neil Wallis.

A government press release, external confirms that the transport secretary is to recommend expanding Heathrow airport, calling it a "major boost for the UK economy".

The transport secretary said: "The step that government is taking today is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond."

The press release suggests that the government chose Heathrow over rival airport Gatwick as it believes Heathrow offers greater potential to expand long haul connections to expanding economies in Asia and South America, as well as a larger established freight infrastructure.

BBC News explains the bumpy ride that lasted over a decade, eventually leading to Heathrow airport getting approval for a third runway.

Now that the government has approved expansion at Heathrow Airport, what will be the next steps to bring the plans to fruition?

Richard Westcott takes a look at some of the big numbers behind the Heathrow third runway decision.

BBC News Channel

Speaking to the BBC News Channel, Green co-leader Jonathan Bartley said that the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson should resign because of government plans to expand Heathrow airport. 

Mr Bartley said Mr Johnson would not be able to campaign against airport expansion while being "muzzled" by his cabinet position, and that resignation would be the "only honourable direction."

The Green co-leader added that increasing aviation activity in the UK would be "incompatible" with the UK's obligations under the Paris agreement on climate change.