"This expansion is being driven by the very rich at the expense of some of the poorest people in the world."

A spokeswoman for Heathrow said the airport's expansion did not mean a choice between delivering for the economy and protecting the environment.

She added: "Independent analysis by the Airports Commission has found that building and operating an additional runway at Heathrow is compatible with the UK meeting its long-term climate change reduction targets.

"The Independent Committee on Climate Change has also shown that a 60 per cent growth in passenger numbers in the United Kingdom can be achieved within the UK's Climate Change Targets."