UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Rachel Reeves expressed support for a third Heathrow runway, stating it would cut down circling flights and align with sustainable aviation development.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in an interview with the BBC, stressed that any expansion must have full Cabinet approval, despite past opposition from top government figures, and confirmed her support for a third runway.
Will Chancellor Rachel confirm Heathrow expansion in her upcoming speech?
While speaking with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Ms. Reeves refrained from ruling out an announcement on Heathrow expansion in her upcoming address on Wednesday.
She said,
“Already this government had signed off expansion at London City airport and Stansted airport. Both of those decisions, again, were decisions that the previous government had stalled.”
Chancellor Reeves emphasized,
“We are getting on and delivering, that will be good for investment and trade in our country and also good for families wanting to go on cheaper holidays as well.”
When asked about Labour’s approach to climate goals and her focus on economic growth, Ms. Reeves argued that sustainable aviation initiatives align perfectly with economic expansion.
When the interviewer inquired when the airport expansion announcement would be made, she said, “Well, you’ll see the plans when we set them out.”
While responding to London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s past statements regarding the third runway’s impact on London’s air quality and the UK’s progress toward net zero targets, Rachel Reeves replied, “A lot has changed in terms of aviation.”
The Chacnllor argued,
“I believe that clean energy, that reducing our carbon emissions are good for economic growth.”
In another interview with Sky News’ Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Ms Reeves stated that any decision about expanding airports would involve “full collective ministerial responsibility.”
It is believed that next week, the Chancellor is expected to back the proposal for a third runway at Heathrow and expansions at Gatwick and Luton airports.
Which senior Labour figures have opposed Heathrow expansion plans in past?
Prominent Labour figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have previously criticized the expansion proposals, though the aviation sector and business leaders have been strong supporters.
Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has also opposed the expansion proposals, but last week, he told the PA news agency that he would not step down if the government endorsed a third runway.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed also rejected the proposed plan of expansion in 2018.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who secured a third term in 2024, has reiterated that his views “haven’t changed” and suggested any expansion plan would include measures for noise pollution and carbon emissions.
What did the environmental groups say about the Heathrow expansion?
Environmental groups have also raised concerns regarding the third runway expansion proposal.
Alethea Warrington, from the climate charity Possible, has expressed worry that approving airport expansions would be “a catastrophic misstep.”
Jenny Bates from Friends of the Earth warned that approving another runway at Heathrow would be highly irresponsible, especially during a climate crisis.
What was the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch’s stance on the expansion of Heathrow?
Kemi Badenoch, Tory leader, expressed her support for the construction of a third runway at Heathrow.
She told Sky News,
“I’ve had to vote on this before and I voted in support of the third runway. What I want to do is make sure it’s done in the right way.”
Kemi Badenoch reiterated the need for infrastructure development, stating that if Heathrow can meet the required criteria for a third runway, the project should proceed.
Why has the start of 2025 been tough for Rachel Reeves?
The beginning of 2025 has been difficult for Chancellor Rachel, as government borrowing costs and the pound’s value have been rocked by market uncertainty, weak economic growth, and growing worries from business leaders regarding the future.
After attending a meeting with global leaders and business heads in Davos, Chancellor Rachel aimed to bring optimism to the government’s previous challenging financial situation.
In an interview with The Times this week, she stated that the UK needs “more positivity” and should be “shouting from the rooftops’ about its strengths.”