Enlarge imageLONDON (Reuters) - Environment Secretary Hilary Benn broke cabinet ranks on Sunday and warned the government should not go ahead with the expansion of Heathrow airport if the project failed to meet pollution targets.
Benn's comments in weekly newspaper raised speculation of a split at the heart of government over plans to add a third runway at London's biggest airport.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has postponed a decision on the issue until January in order to have more time to consider the results of a public consultation.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Benn cast doubt on claims by expansion supporters that new technology could solve pollution concerns.
"The government has had a consultation," he said. "We are currently looking at the results. What I have been looking at in particular is air quality and noise."
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The expansion of Heathrow airport is a hot political issue. Big business and airlines are in favour but residents, local councils and green lobby groups are vehemently opposed.
The government expressed support for expansion at Heathrow in its 2003 aviation White Paper and has since maintained its backing for a third runway. The opposition Conservatives have come out against expansion.
Environmentalists say development of Heathrow would increase noise pollution for households under flight paths, as well as pushing up emissions of nitrogen dioxide.
The government has obtained opt-outs from EU air pollution directives, but they run out over the years to 2015, by which time it has promised to get emissions below the limits.
"We have to achieve the environmental objectives. We have to honour that commitment and I am determined that we will," Benn said.
(Reporting by Christina Fincher; Editing by Matthew Jones)
