Heathrow expansion more popular among SNP MPs than rest of House

Support for Heathrow expansion is higher among SNP MPs than across the Commons, according to exclusive new polling by Dods.

While just over a third (36 per cent) of MPs came out in support of a new third runway at Heathrow, half of SNP MPs polled backed the plans.

The new polling, based in sample of 99 MPs from across the House of Commons, gave members the same options as the Airport Commission, with nearly three-quarters of MPs (73 per cent) coming out in support of some form of airport expansion around London.

While just over a third (36 per cent) of MPs backed the Airport Commission’s recommendation for a new third runway at Heathrow, the next most popular option was to allow expansion at both Heathrow and Gatwick, with 31 per cent of MPs in support.

Of ten SNP MPs questioned, six supported further airport expansion, with five backing a new runway at Heathrow and another supporting expansion at both Heathrow and Gatwick. Two responded to say further expansion should be blocked, by another answer ‘other’.

Support for airport expansion was highest among Tory MPs, with four fifths (80 per cent) backing some form of airport expansion, 44 per cent favouring both Heathrow and Gatwick, and a further 36 per cent backing Heathrow.

Just nine per cent of MPs polled supported the idea of blocking further airport expansion around London.

Meanwhile 19 per cent of MPs opted for ‘other’ solutions.

The Airport Commission, which published its final report in July, recommended a third runway at Heathrow, on the basis there were no overnight flights, a commitment from the Government not to build a fourth runway at Heathrow, alongside a legally binding noise limit, and an independent aviation noise authority.

The Commission’s report is currently being considered by ministers, with a formal decision expected in September.

Read the full briefing here.