Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given her clearest indication yet that the Government may back plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. While careful to avoid explicit confirmation, Reeves suggested the proposal would be subject to “full collective ministerial responsibility,” even as the project faces criticism from senior Labour figures and environmental campaigners.
Appearing on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves highlighted advances in sustainable aviation technology, claiming that growth and environmental responsibility could align. “There’s huge investment going on in electric planes, and a third runway will mean that, instead of circling London, flights can land directly at Heathrow,” she said.
While an official announcement remains pending, the Chancellor acknowledged recent approvals of expansions at London City and Stansted airports, presenting them as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and reduce delays for travellers. “We are getting on and delivering. That will be good for investment, trade, and also for families wanting to go on cheaper holidays,” she remarked.
Tensions within labour
The proposal has reignited long-standing divisions within the Labour Party. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has previously opposed airport expansion, recently indicated he would not resign over a Cabinet decision to back Heathrow’s third runway. However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who campaigned on opposing such developments, reaffirmed his opposition, citing concerns over noise pollution and carbon emissions.
Khan’s stance reflects the broader challenges Labour faces in reconciling its commitment to tackling climate change with the economic appeal of airport expansion. Reeves argued that sustainable aviation developments now mitigate environmental concerns, but critics remain sceptical.
Campaigners voice concerns
Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, dismissed the third runway as “uniquely complicated and costly,” suggesting that expansions at Gatwick and Luton undermine its case. “If expansions at other London airports proceed, the business case for Heathrow becomes even riskier, if not un-investable,” McGuinness said.
Environmental groups have also criticised the potential move, warning it would exacerbate carbon emissions and disrupt communities near the airport. However, proponents argue that increased capacity at Heathrow is essential to maintaining the UK’s status as a global aviation hub.
Economic and planning agenda
Reeves is expected to unveil her formal position on the third runway in a major speech next week, alongside plans to cut red tape and accelerate infrastructure projects. The Government has pledged to approve 150 major projects, including airports, by the end of this Parliament.
The Treasury’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, set for introduction in spring, aims to simplify environmental assessments and remove barriers to construction. Reeves described these measures as essential to boosting growth, addressing housing shortages, and improving transport links.
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So far, the Government has approved nine nationally significant infrastructure projects and taken 13 planning decisions. The goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes remains central to its economic strategy.
Balancing growth with responsibility
Reeves’ remarks come amid growing pressures on the Government to revive the economy following turbulent borrowing costs, weak growth figures, and business unease. After attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, she urged the UK to embrace a more optimistic narrative about its strengths.
“Britain needs more positivity. We should be shouting from the rooftops about what we do well,” Reeves said earlier this week.
The Chancellor’s upcoming announcements are expected to signal a shift toward prioritising economic expansion, even if it means facing resistance from environmental campaigners and internal party critics. Whether the third runway at Heathrow becomes a reality remains uncertain, but Reeves’ comments suggest the Government is prepared to make bold decisions to drive growth and secure investment.
For now, the debate continues, with Labour navigating the tightrope between economic ambition and environmental responsibility.
