The UK Court of Appeal has ruled against plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in London, which has stirred controversy among climate campaigners.
According to the UK appeals court, the government's decision to allow the expansion was unlawful because it did not take climate commitments into account. The case was filed by environmental groups, councils and the Mayor of London.
BBC environment analyst Roger Harrabin reported that there were "whoops and jumps of jubilation from environmentalists outside the court room" after the decision was announced.
Friends of the Earth, one of the environmental groups that filed the case, described the ruling as "an absolutely groundbreaking result for climate justice".
While Heathrow said it would challenge the decision, the government said it would not pursue an appeal.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: "Airport expansion is core to boosting global connectivity. We also take seriously our commitment to the environment. This Govt won't appeal today's judgement given our manifesto makes clear any Heathrow expansion will be industry led."
In an interview, Shapps said that it was "for Heathrow and the courts to decide" whether the expansion would proceed. He explained: "This government is absolutely committed [from] the Prime Minister down to airport expansion, but, we want to make sure that expansion is environmentally friendly."
Meanwhile, Heathrow expressed its desire to challenge the court's decision at the Supreme Court, saying it was "confident that we will be successful".
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "In the meantime, we are ready to work with the government to fix the issue that the court has raised."
"Expanding Heathrow, Britain's biggest port and only hub, is essential to achieving the prime minister's vision of global Britain. We will get it done the right way, without jeopardising the planet's future," the spokesperson added.
The judges pointed out that a third runway could go ahead in the future as long as it follows the UK's climate policy.
