May defies critics to back new $22 billion Heathrow runway

By Kylie MacLellan and Sarah Young LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday backed a $22 billion (18 billion pounds) expansion of Heathrow Airport, ending 25 years of indecision and promising to boost global trade links following the vote to leave the European Union. Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, defeated a proposal from smaller rival Gatwick and will secure the first new full-length runway to be built near London in 70 years after environmental and political protests scuppered previous attem