BRITAIN will make a long-awaited decision next week on where to allow airport expansion near London, Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokeswoman said today (18), with ministers who oppose it given the rare opportunity to publicly voice their dissent.
The decision will be subject to public consultation before it is put to parliament for its backing late 2017 or early 2018.
The government will either support plans for a new runway west of London at Heathrow, the busiest airport in both Britain and Europe, or at Gatwick to the south. The decision has been debated for more than 25 years.
The cabinet discussed the options for more than an hour today, May’s spokeswoman said, but the decision will be made by a smaller group of ministers.
“It was not for cabinet to take a decision today. That will be taken by the cabinet sub-committee on airports, which is due to meet next week and will select a preferred option,” the spokeswoman told reporters.
“There was a strong consensus about the importance of this decision for the country, the need to get on and make a decision ... and what it would mean for the UK economy and the nation that we want to be as we leave the European Union.”
The sub-committee, chaired by May, does not include key opponents of Heathrow expansion such as foreign secretary Boris Johnson and education secretary Justine Greening.
Media reports have said it will meet next Tuesday (October 25), but the spokeswoman declined to specify the date.
In 2015 a three-year independent inquiry set up by the government recommended building a new runway at Heathrow, subject to a list of conditions over night flights, noise and air quality, and it is seen as the front-runner.
Heathrow said in a statement the process was in line with its expectations, and that if given the go-ahead it would apply for planning approval following the parliamentary vote.
In a break with normal procedure that ministers must support the government position, May took the rare step of promising colleagues who oppose the decision that they would be allowed to publicly air their views.
Media interpreted this as a strong signal the government would back Heathrow, as there are no high profile ministers who oppose Gatwick expansion.
In a letter to ministers published on Tuesday, May said the exception would only apply to those who had previously expressed strong opinions or had a directly affected constituency.
Ministers would have to seek her approval to oppose the government and would not be able to actively campaign against the decision, speak against the government in parliament or criticise the decision-making process itself, she said.
Major Food Group, the hospitality powerhouse behind CARBONE and over 50 restaurants worldwide, is bringing Major’s Grill to London’s Cambridge House.
The restaurant will occupy a Georgian ballroom dating back to 1878 within the Grade I-listed Palladian mansion at 94 Piccadilly.
Cambridge House, Auberge Collection, opens in 2026 as a 102-suite luxury hotel with the restaurant as its culinary centrepiece.
Global expansion move
New York's Major Food Group is bringing its signature theatrical dining style to London with the launch of Major's Grill, a glamorous new restaurant set to open at Cambridge House, Auberge Collection in 2026.
The announcement, made on October (15), marks a significant expansion for the hospitality group founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. Since 2011, the group has built a global empire of over 50 restaurants, bars and private clubs spanning 15 cities worldwide, including New York, Miami, Hong Kong, Dubai and Riyadh.
Major's Grill will be housed at 94 Piccadilly, the former Naval & Military 'In and Out' Club, as part of Reuben Brothers' £1 billion regeneration of 1.3 acres of the Piccadilly Estate. The restaurant will occupy a Georgian ballroom and courtyard dating back to 1878.
"It would be impossible to overstate what a privilege and dream come true it is for Mario, Rich, and me to have the opportunity to serve as the new culinary stewards of this storied London address," noted Jeff Zalaznick, co-founder of Major Food Group.
London luxury revival
Drawing inspiration from classic London grills and mid-century dining culture, the restaurant promises theatrical tableside service, an extensive martini programme with at least 10 variations, and a wine list featuring First Growth Bordeaux, Grand Cru Burgundy and rare cult vintages.
The Grade I-listed Palladian mansion has hosted royalty and political figures since 1756. It served as a proxy Downing Street for Prime Minister Lord Palmerston and later became home to the legendary Naval and Military Club from 1865 to 1999.
"This bold and original concept is exactly what we always envisioned for Cambridge House," said Jamie Reuben, principal at Reuben Brothers. "Together with Major Food Group and Auberge Collection, we're creating a destination inspired by The Grill, the iconic New York institution."
French designer Jean-Louis Deniot will oversee the restaurant's interior renewal. The partnership represents Auberge Collection's continued expansion into urban and European markets, with properties opening in Florence and Geneva earlier in 2025. Major Food Group operates CARBONE locations in Hong Kong, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh, reflecting its global reach beyond North America. Cambridge House will feature 102 suites alongside Major's Grill, with additional amenities including bars, lounges, a subterranean club and a double-level spa.
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