DELAYS to the Heathrow Airport expansion project could cost Scotland thousands of jobs a Glasgow MP has warned.

While the UK Government announced the London airport would be the choice for a third runway to increase capacity the programme will not be complete until at least 2025.

Opposition to the expansion from within the Conservative Party at Westminster could even still, see the project delayed or scuppered altogether.

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South MP said businesses in the city and across Scotland need it to get started as soon as possible.

MPS still have to vote on the plans, but not until next year and construction is not due to start until 2020.

Mr McDonald, said: “It is of course welcome that an initial decision has been made, but the failure of the UK Government to unequivocally give Heathrow the go ahead to expand, despite years of debate, is risking millions of pounds worth of investment and lost tourism in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government and business leaders in Glasgow welcomed the announcement that Heathrow was the choice as the best option for Scotland.

The MP said any further delays could stifle investment in the city and hit tourism.

Mr McDonald added: “With Glasgow being home to one of the two busiest airports in Scotland, the choice to delay a final decision on airport expansion in the South East until next year risks having a big impact on businesses and consumers across the city.

“Whilst the UK Government continue to sit on their hands in regards to making a final decision, the Scottish Government have made it clear that we support Heathrow expansion and we would urge the Government at Westminster to act as quickly as possible.”

It is hoped that the expansion will free up more capacity to increase flights from Scottish airports to Heathrow and then on to global connections.