binding

The government has been clear that their rulings are not legally binding.

The UK has legally binding targets to reduce its levels of planet-warming emissions, and contribute to the global goal of preventing average temperatures rising by more than 1.5C by 2050.

"Any airport expansion must be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements."

The government said the expansion must not breach the UK's legally binding target of lowering emissions to net zero by 2050.

However, PAG has said it has concerns over the Inquiry's legal terms of reference which prevent it from making binding recommendations about these organisations.