A Kent MP has criticised the government after an announcement that it would delay a decision on whether to build a third runway at Heathrow airport.

The government says there will be no decision for six months to carry out further assessment of the environmental impact of expanding Heathrow.

At the same time, the government says that it has not ruled out the option of expanding Gatwick.

That has dismayed the Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, who said the delay was not welcome. He opposes expanding Gatwick.

He said “I am disappointed that there will be a further delay to a decision on airport expansion. The Airports Commission was clear in its recommendation that Gatwick Airport is not suitable for an extra runway."

He added:

"The economic case for Heathrow is overwhelming, as flights into Gatwick blight residents lives across Kent. I will continue to press the Government for the recommendations of the Airports Commission to be accepted as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing the Secretary of State for Transport’s statement in the House of Commons next week.”

The transport secretary Patrick McCloughlin said the government would "continue to work on all shortlisted locations".

"The economic case for Heathrow is overwhelming, as flights into Gatwick blight residents lives across Kent" - Kent MP Tom Tugendhat

The British Chamber of Commerce said it was “gutless”, while the CBI group for big business called the decision “deeply disappointing”.

And the Mayor of London Boris Johnson repeated his belief that the only solution was for a new four runway hub airport - although he did not mention his controversial proposal for an airport in north Kent - dubbed "Boris Island".

Gatwick described the delay as a "defining moment" in the airport expansion debate.

"We are glad that the government recognises that more work on environmental impact needs to be done," said its chief executive Stewart Wingate.

Mr McCloughlin said:

"The case for aviation expansion is clear - but it's vitally important we get the decision right so that it will benefit generations to come. We will undertake more work on environmental impacts, including air quality, noise and carbon."

He added: “We must develop the best possible package of measures to mitigate the impacts on local people. We will continue work on all the shortlisted locations, so that the timetable for more capacity set out by Sir Howard is met."

But Boris Johnson re-iterated his opposition to expanding Heathrow. The Davies Commission ruled out "Boris Island" saying it was too costly and environmentally damaging.

Lilian Greenwood, Labour's shadow transport secretary, said the Prime Minister had broken his "clear promise" to make a decision before the end of the year.

"Tonight's statement owes more to political calculations than genuine concern for the environment or residents who now face another year of blight and uncertainty," she said.