In a significant shift in government policy, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given her strongest indication yet that she backs the expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport with a controversial third runway. Speaking to the BBC ahead of a major speech on economic growth this week, Reeves argued that the additional runway would provide environmental benefits by reducing the number of planes circling over London waiting to land.
The Chancellor also pointed to “huge investment” being made in sustainable aviation fuels as a factor that makes the expansion project more viable from a carbon emissions perspective. “A lot has changed in aviation, and sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” Reeves stated, implying that greener fuels could help offset the climate impact of increased flights at an enlarged Heathrow.
Government Pushing Forward on Infrastructure
Reeves’ comments represent the clearest signal yet that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is prepared to give Heathrow expansion the green light, after years of delays and fierce opposition from environmental groups and local communities. The Chancellor noted that her government has already approved expansions at London City and Stansted airports, as well as signing off on major housing developments and infrastructure for the tech industry.
Decisions that were on the desks of previous ministers, but those decisions were either blocked or stalled, and as a result we haven’t had the economic growth and the investment that our country deserves to create those good jobs.
– Chancellor Rachel Reeves
Reeves framed her government’s approach as one of “getting on and delivering” in order to spur economic growth and create jobs. She argued that the UK has suffered from a lack of infrastructure investment due to stalled decisions under previous Conservative governments.
Political and Environmental Hurdles Remain
However, Chancellor Reeves will still face significant obstacles in pushing through Heathrow expansion. The Guardian reported last week that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband had warned cabinet colleagues the extra runway could put the UK in breach of its legally binding targets for reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also been a vocal critic of expanding Heathrow, citing the negative impacts on air quality and the capital’s progress towards its own net-zero goals. Khan is likely to be a formidable opponent for Reeves on this issue.
Opposition Cautiously Supportive
Meanwhile, Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch indicated her party would be open to supporting a third runway, on the condition that it is delivered in “the right way” and meets established criteria. Badenoch told Sky News she had previously voted in favor of Heathrow expansion as an MP.
All eyes will now be on Chancellor Reeves’ speech this Wednesday for official confirmation of the government’s position on this contentious issue. While the political and environmental debate is sure to remain heated, Reeves appears determined to push forward on upgrades to the UK’s strained air transport infrastructure as part of her broader economic growth agenda. The battle over Heathrow’s future is poised to take center stage once again.
