Theresa, who has opposed increased night flights and a third runway at Heathrow, spoke in a debate on Heathrow expansion and told Mr Hoon, “There is particular concern about night flights, so will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to guarantee that, whatever the Government do about capacity at Heathrow, there will be no increase in night flights?”

Geoff Hoon dodged the question, replying “We have not consulted on that matter and it is not a decision that we have to take.”

Theresa also told Mr Hoon, “My constituents want the Government to consider the impact of a third runway at Heathrow on their quality of life. If it goes ahead or if the Government abandon runway alternation, the quality of my constituents’ life—not only those living close to Heathrow in Maidenhead or Cookham, but those further afield in Wargrave, Twyford and north Woodley—will deteriorate significantly.”

Afterwards Theresa commented, “Local residents will be extremely concerned to hear that the Transport Secretary failed to give clear answer ruling out increases in night flights. The issue of night flights is already a significant one for many people in the local area, even without the proposed expansion of Heathrow. Whether or not there is a third runway, we cannot allow an increase in flights over residential areas at night time, and I will strongly oppose any moves towards this.”