Expanding Gatwick airport would pose a significant threat to the Sussex environment, an MP has claimed.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Norman Baker accused ministers of "caving in" to the airline industry and boosting the number of flights.

The MP for Lewes said carbon emissions produced by the airline industry had doubled since 1990.

A passenger flying from London to Newcastle would produce 49kg of carbon, while the same person travelling by rail would produce 16kg.

Expanding airports, coupled with the recently announced roadbuilding programme, turned the Government's environment policy on its head.

Mr Baker said: "Expanding Gatwick will pose a real threat to the environment of the local area. Air pollution is set to rise along with noise pollution.

"The Government should put on hold its predict and provide road and air plans and go back to the drawing board."

Last week we reported on plans to develop a private airfield at Redhill, Surrey, to help boost the number of flights using facilities at Gatwick.