The Conservative party has moved to quash speculation it would expand Luton Airport if it were to win the next general election.

In a debate in the House of Commons, the party's shadow transport secretary, Theresa Villiers, said she did not rule out expansion at airports in the South East.

Her words prompted The Times' chief political correspondent to write that Luton Airport 'could be allowed increased numbers of flights or an extra runway under the Tories', despite the party's commitment to cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

But Nigel Huddleston, the Conservative candidate hoping to win the Luton South seat at the next general electon, said under a Tory government there would be no expansion at Luton without local approval.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said. "Teresa Villiers and I are well aware that a second runway at Luton was neither desirable nor economically viable. It's just not an option.

"Our whole policy on expansion is local decision making, and local approval. It's an essential part of future Conservative policy."

He said any major growth at Luton could only take place if it did not cause "incremental environmental damage" and extra noise pollution for residents.