Rachel Reeves is set to defend Heathrow expansion plans, emphasizing economic growth over environmental concerns amid rising opposition from Labour figures.
London: Rachel Reeves is gearing up to face critics of the Heathrow expansion. She believes that economic growth is more important than other concerns. Next week, she plans to speak in support of a third runway at Heathrow and expansions at Gatwick and Luton Airports.
However, this idea isn’t sitting well with everyone. Environmental groups and some senior Labour members, like London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, are against it. Sadiq even won his third term in 2024 by opposing airport expansions in the capital.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voted against the Heathrow expansion back in June 2018. When asked about the speculation, Reeves didn’t comment directly but pointed out that the government has already backed expansions at London City and Stansted Airports.
At a recent event in Davos, Switzerland, she was asked if the Heathrow expansion would create issues with Sadiq and Miliband. She mentioned that the previous government often faced similar dilemmas, where economic growth was sidelined by local objections.
Reeves stressed that the government can’t keep saying “no” to growth. She believes that when it comes to making decisions, growth should be the priority. She stated that they are committed to making pro-growth choices for the national interest.
During Prime Ministers’ Questions, Starmer also avoided specifics but reiterated the government’s commitment to growth and the aviation sector while balancing climate obligations.
EasyJet’s CEO, Kenton Jarvis, backed Reeves’ upcoming statement, saying that aviation plays a crucial role in economic growth. He sees Heathrow as a key part of their network, which could help lower fares for UK travelers.
On the flip side, critics argue that expanding airports will harm the environment. Alethea Warrington from Possible warned that approving expansions would contradict the government’s climate leadership claims. She called for more support for low-carbon transport options.
Jenny Bates from Friends of the Earth echoed these concerns, stating that adding another runway at Heathrow would be irresponsible, especially with the climate emergency at hand. The Heathrow third runway project was approved in June 2018 but has faced delays due to environmental issues and the pandemic.
Currently, there’s no application for the Development Consent Order, and it’s up to Heathrow to submit one. Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has deadlines approaching for decisions on Gatwick and Luton Airport proposals. There are also whispers that Reeves might support a new road link between Kent and Essex and a Universal Studios theme park in Bedford.
