ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Green campaigners today claimed Sadiq Khan has already broken his pledge to be London’s “greenest ever” mayor, after he removed a key obstacle to the expansion of City Airport.

He withdrew Boris Johnson’s objection to the airport buying public land it needs to expand. Its £300 million plan, featuring a bigger terminal and new aircraft taxi lane, would allow a 40 per cent increase in flights.

Planning permission is still required and the Planning Inspector will send a report to the Government for a decision.

Many locals oppose the plan because of noise concerns, and a separate City Hall objection on noise is still in place.

Green Assembly member Sian Berry, who stood against Mr Khan in the election, said: “This is a terrible start for the Mayor, putting paid to his pledge to be the greenest mayor London’s had.”

His spokeswoman said: “The Mayor decided to withdraw the objection following new evidence submitted by City Airport and ongoing negotiations. The Mayor continues to support the case for improved noise mitigation.”