UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The British government has backed a third runway at Heathrow, which is expected to create thousands of jobs while improving the nation’s economic standing.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in her major speech in Oxfordshire on Wednesday, revealed that the government is backing the expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport.
What did Chancellor Rachel say about the third runway at Heathrow?
According to Ms Reeves, the Heathrow expansion is “badly needed” to improve Britain’s global relations and open doors to new growth prospects.
She stated the third runway will
“unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports and make the UK more open and more connected.”
Rachel Reeves said environmental concerns had been the reason for delays in this project for many years.
In a broad speech to the business community, Ms. Rachel Reeves endorsed the expansion of Luton and Gatwick airports. She highlighted the creation of a “growth corridor” connecting Oxford and Cambridge and suggested that this area has the potential to become “Europe’s Silicon Valley.”
During her speech, she argued that these measures were essential for “restoring economic stability,” adding she had “no other option available.”
As reported by the BBC, she expressed her intention to boost economic growth, urging “further and faster” action with the “courage” that previous governments had failed to show.
Ms Rachel stated,
“Low growth is not our destiny, but growth will not come without a fight, without a government willing to make the right decisions now to improve our country’s future.”
She argued that major business associations and trade unions agree that a third runway is “urgently needed” for the UK’s economic success.
The Chancellor said the proposals will be open for submission until summer, after which a “full assessment” will be conducted under the Airport National Policy Statement to ensure the third runway meets legal, environmental goals, and climate objectives.
Other major redevelopment plans were announced for Old Trafford, infrastructure improvements near Manchester United’s future stadium, and the reopening of Doncaster/Sheffield Airport.
What did Rachel Reeves say about investments in green aviation fuel?
During her speech revealing plans to boost the UK economy, she stressed that Britain is “already making significant progress” in advancing greener aviation. She revealed that the government would allocate £63 million in the coming year to support the growth of sustainable aviation fuel production plants through the Advanced Fuel Fund grant program.
The Chancellor stated the government’s plans would support investment and create high-skilled green employment opportunities in aviation fuel production plants from the North of England to South Wales.
Sir Sadiq Khan opposes Heathrow expansion
London’s Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has opposed the third runway at Heathrow, raising concerns over its potential to affect noise and air pollution and hinder climate change goals.
Mr Khan vowed to examine any plans closely,
“including the impact it will have on people living in the area and the huge knock-on effects on our transport infrastructure.”
He stated that despite progress in sustainable aviation, he remains unconvinced that increasing flights at Heathrow will not affect the environment.
What criticism did Green Party and Conservative MPs offer on Heathrow expansion and economic growth?
Sian Berry, Green Party MP, remarked about the expansion of airports and stated,
“In the face of a climate emergency is the most irresponsible announcement from any government I have seen since the Liz Truss budget.”
Mel Stride, Conservative Shadow Chancellor, criticized Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer, accusing them of creating “the biggest barriers to growth” with their “job-destroying budget.”
Benefits of Heathrow’s expansion
The British government revealed that the Heathrow expansion may increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050. The expansion of London’s busiest airport is expected to create over 100,000 jobs, boost the economy by billions, and offer travelers lower fares and fewer delays.