A LEADING Conservative MP has called on the Government to reconsider expanding Stansted Airport.

Boris Johnson previously tried to convince the Airports Commission to approve the so-called Boris Island plan for a four-runway hub to be built in the Thames Estuary.

However, the mayor of London’s idea was rejected in September 2014.

Mr Johnson, the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip- near Heathrow- has attempted to resurrect the scheme.

His office published a report which claims a four-runway hub either in the Thames Estuary or at an expanded Stansted Airport is the only way to secure the number of new routes required to boost the UK economy.

He said: "If we are to secure the connectivity we need to support our future growth and prosperity - and do so without dire impacts on public health - then we must do better than Heathrow."

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Mr Johnson believes a hub in the east would offer double the number of long haul and domestic routes served by Heathrow while exposing 95% fewer people to significant aircraft noise.

The Government is assessing whether to back expansion at Heathrow - the Airports Commission's recommended option - or Gatwick.

The 78-page document produced by the mayor's office says a four-runway hub would serve 114 daily long haul routes in 2050, compared with 75 at a three-runway Heathrow.

Mr Johnson said: "We need a long-term vision for the right airport that sustains our economy and safeguards our public health. I would urge Government not to turn its back on our future."

Mr Johnson is stepping down as mayor in May.

A Stansted Airport spokesman said: “We await the Government’s response to the Airports Commission final report like everyone else.

“But we strongly believe the immediate priorities should be to urgently invest in rail improvements to allow Stansted to make best use of its existing spare runway capacity.”