Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has assured MPs that any proposed airport expansions that fail to align with the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets “won’t go ahead.” This statement comes amidst growing speculation that the Government is poised to support a third runway at Heathrow, as well as expansions at Gatwick and Luton, in its drive to boost economic growth.
Speaking before the Environmental Audit Committee on Monday, Mr Miliband reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all aviation developments comply with the country’s climate targets. “100% any aviation expansion must be justified within carbon budgets, and if it can’t be justified, it won’t go ahead,” he said.
Aviation expansion and carbon budgets
The UK’s carbon budgets form part of its legally binding commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reducing emissions by 100% compared to 1990 levels. Mr Miliband stressed that any decisions on airport expansion would be made within this framework, saying: “We have a system in this country of carbon budgets, and it’s really important to say this: any decisions about airport expansion take place within that framework.”
Despite being pressed on reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will endorse the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airports, Mr Miliband avoided addressing specific projects. Instead, he highlighted the balance the Government seeks to strike between climate goals and economic needs. “I have always thought the Government’s goal with aviation is not to stop people going on holiday or stop the economy getting what it needs, nor is it business as usual, as if climate change is not a problem,” he told MPs.
The role of the climate change committee
The independent Climate Change Committee (CCC) has previously urged the Government to implement a national strategy for aviation emissions and passenger capacity before allowing any further airport expansions. The CCC has also recommended no net airport expansion unless there is a clear plan to offset the sector’s emissions.
Mr Miliband expressed agreement with the CCC’s perspective, stating: “I absolutely agree with the CCC.” He acknowledged that their pathway to net zero permits a 25% increase in aviation passenger numbers by 2050 compared to 2018 levels. However, when challenged on whether existing airport capacity could accommodate such growth without expansion, he did not provide a direct response, instead reiterating the mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with carbon budgets.
Seventh carbon budget on the horizon
The Government is preparing to release the UK’s seventh carbon budget, which will set the legal limit on greenhouse gas emissions for the period between 2038 and 2042. This budget will play a key role in framing future decisions on sectors such as aviation.
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When asked which sectors would need to reduce their emissions to offset aviation’s growth, Mr Miliband said it would depend on “a whole range of factors.” He emphasised that the upcoming carbon budget would provide greater clarity on the pathways for meeting the country’s net-zero targets.
However, Mr Miliband declined to confirm whether the Government would delay announcements on airport expansion until the CCC’s advice on the seventh carbon budget is published next month.
Balancing climate and economic priorities
The debate around airport expansion has reignited tensions between economic ambitions and the UK’s climate commitments. Proponents argue that expanding Heathrow and other airports is critical for boosting connectivity and trade. Opponents, including environmental groups and climate experts, warn that such projects could derail progress toward net zero and undermine the UK’s international credibility on climate action.
Mr Miliband’s comments signal the Government’s intent to maintain a balance, but questions remain over how this will be achieved in practice. As the UK prepares to unveil its seventh carbon budget, the spotlight is on how the Government will navigate the competing demands of economic growth and climate responsibility.
The Energy Secretary’s refusal to engage in speculation about specific airport projects leaves uncertainty over the fate of Heathrow’s third runway and other proposed expansions. However, his insistence that all developments must align with carbon budgets underscores the critical role of climate considerations in shaping future aviation policies.
