Alistair Darling yesterday announced plans to expand the UK's airport capacity but has warned that environmental concerns could restrict future growth.

The transport secretary said he supported a wide range of moves to add capacity to regions around the UK.

But he confirmed that a second runway should be built at Stansted "as soon as possible" and set out plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

Darling said pressure on airports in the South East "was more severe than in any other parts of the country".

He also announced further expansion of Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and other regional airports.