In February this year, transport secretary Heidi Alexander indicated she was “minded to approve” the £2.2bn project, subject to further information from Gatwick Airport. “If the Government is determined to expand England’s airports, Gatwick’s second runway is among the lower hanging fruit,” she said. “By unlocking Gatwick’s second runway, the government has shown that these barriers can be overcome when there is political will. “The approval of London Gatwick’s £2.2bn second runway is an important signal of intent for the UK infrastructure pipeline, particularly in a year when activity has been subdued,” he said. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “Signing off on a second runway at Gatwick is a disaster.