UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dismissed London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s opposition to Heathrow expansion, stating the government is committed to infrastructure growth.
Ms Rachel said the third runway at Heathrow Airport project will move forward despite Sadiq Khan’s attempts to block the project.
What did Chancellor Rachel say about Sadiq Khan’s opposition to Heathrow expansion?
During an interview, Ms. Rachel Reeves affirmed her deep respect for Sadiq Khan, even as he resisted Labour’s support for a third Heathrow runway.
She stated,
“I’ve got huge respect for Sadiq, but on this issue, I believe, I know that sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”
This comes after Mr Khan made his stance clear, arguing that the decision to build the third runway would harm the environment and the well-being of local communities.
When a question was asked if Sadiq Khan could prevent her third runway project, she stated, ‘No,’ asserting that any legal challenge from the London mayor would not succeed.
She stated that significant progress has been seen in the aviation sector, such as more efficient engines assisting in reducing carbon emissions. Ms. Rachel highlighted that the government launched a sustainable aviation fuel mandate earlier at the start of the year.
Referring to aviation fuel, she added, “That can cut carbon emissions from flying by 70%.”
Ms Rachel stated that Mr Khan’s role is only to represent London, not the entire nation, and the government has a responsibility to act in the national interest, not just one region.
She said, “There is always a reason to say no to any infrastructure investment whether it is a solar farm, train line, road or airport.”
What are Sadiq Khan’s views on the third runway at Heathrow?
Sadiq Khan declares continued opposition to Heathrow expansion, clashing with Rachel Reeves.
While responding to Ms. Rachel’s economic speech on January 29, Wednesday, Mr. Khan criticized the government’s support for expanding London’s business hub, Heathrow Airport.
Sadiq Khan took to X and stated,
“I can’t support plans to expand Heathrow which would damage our environment and place huge demand on our transport infrastructure.
He added,
“The number of people already affected by noise is more than at Paris Charles de Gaulle, Madrid, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam combined.”
I can’t support plans to expand Heathrow which would damage our environment and place huge demand on our transport infrastructure.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) January 29, 2025
The number of people already affected by noise is more than at Paris Charles de Gaulle, Madrid, Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam combined. pic.twitter.com/iA4epVoFzC
In another statement, he argues that expansion would seriously hinder progress on addressing noise and climate change goals.
What’s the timeline for a third runway at Heathrow according to Rachel Reeves?
In her economic growth speech in Oxfordshire, Rachel Reeves expressed her desire to see work start at Heathrow Airport within the next five years.
Ms. Rachel revealed that Heathrow Airport has been requested to submit its proposal by summer. She further outlined the government’s intention to approve a development consent order within the current parliament, setting the stage for the project launch and ensuring the runway’s construction.
She expressed strong confidence, stating that the government would deliver the third runway while meeting its climate commitments.
Can the third runway at Heathrow drive economic recovery?
Under the Plan for Change, the proposal aims to generate more than 100,000 jobs, drive billions into the economy, and lower fares while reducing delays for families.
According to a study by Frontier Economics, a third runway at Heathrow would deliver 60% of its economic benefits to areas outside London and the South East. The findings reveal that this will benefit the working class by reducing fares.
The Heathrow airport currently handles £200bn worth of trade annually, and its owner said that it serves as an essential gateway for exports, especially for small businesses.