Chancellor Rachel Reeves has signaled potential government support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, reigniting a debate that has been ongoing since the proposal's inception in 2007. The Labour government initially approved the expansion plan in 2009, but it was later scrapped by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in 2010. While the Supreme Court has overturned a previous ruling deeming the expansion unlawful due to climate considerations, opposition within the Labour Party remains strong.
Senior Labour figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, have historically opposed Heathrow expansion plans. In contrast, the aviation industry and business leaders have consistently supported the development. Despite the Supreme Court's decision, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan maintains his opposition to airport expansion in the capital, emphasizing the need for mitigations concerning noise pollution and carbon emissions should any plans proceed.
Labour MP Dan Tomlinson has voiced concerns that expanding Heathrow would not align with the government's net zero goals. He underscored that while growth is a priority, it should not come at the expense of environmental commitments.
"We were also clear that we would make every effort to get to clean power by 2030," Tomlinson asserted.
The airport's management has asked for explicit direction from the government by the end of 2025 to advance any expansion plans. However, there is currently no formal application for a third runway.
Amidst these discussions, Barry Gardiner, another Labour MP, criticized Chancellor Reeves' stance on decarbonizing the economy versus economic growth.
"I think Rachel is wrong to pit decarbonising the economy against economic growth. Decarbonisation is the growth of the future," Gardiner stated.
Reeves countered these concerns by suggesting that sustainable aviation and economic development are not mutually exclusive.
"Sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand," she remarked.
The government has also announced initiatives to expedite permissions for housing and commercial projects near train stations, as well as modifications to planning regulations. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth without undermining environmental objectives.