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On Sunday, the Conservative Party claimed that the British Aviation Authority (BAA) had buckled under Tory pressure and abandoned its plans for a third runway at Heathrow International Airport.

Just two days later, the BAA came out fighting, claiming that David Cameron, the leader of the Conservatives, was ignorant of the aviation industry and too stubborn to negotiate with BAA officials.

Mr. Cameron had previously announced that the aviation company would not submit a planning application before the general election, believing the move to be a victory on the part of eco-warriors everywhere.

He was correct, but only in part: the BAA is ’’not’’ capable of completing the planning process before next year’s elections, but the firm remains in full support of a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

The Conservatives have subscribed to a policy of doing whatever the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is not, winning voters over with well-meaning shtick – environmental maintenance, economic growth, and restraints on tax. Blocking the construction of Heathrow’s third runway is a critical facet of their election manifesto.

Instead, Mr. Cameron wants to concentrate on improving capacity at UK airports, effectively removing the need for expansion. However, considering that Heathrow is already operating at breaking point (99% capacity), the Tories are going to have their work cut out for them.

The BAA believes a third runway is the only way forward for UK industry: “We need to maintain this country's global connections to the rest of the world, particularly in an era where long haul links to markets such as China and India are increasingly important.

David Cameron is expected to bury Gordon Brown in the next election, which could put a third runway on ice forever.