Campaign organizations have asserted that constructing a third runway at Heathrow Airport would result in a “catastrophic” environmental effect, especially as reports suggest the chancellor may support the initiative.
Rachel Reeves is anticipated to advocate for the proposed runway expansion at the west London airport and additional growth at Gatwick and Luton airports in her forthcoming speech on economic growth, according to the BBC.
Opponents of expanding airports argue that boosting flight capacity would be detrimental to the environment.
The government has stated that all proposals for expansion must prove they will foster economic growth while adhering to environmental commitments.
The project gained parliamentary approval back in June 2018 but has faced delays due to legal actions from environmental activists and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at the climate charity Possible, remarked, “Greenlighting airport expansions would be a disastrous error for a government that brands itself as a leader in climate issues. This substantial rise in emissions won’t bolster our economy and will only benefit the small number of frequent flyers who account for the majority of flights, thereby exacerbating the UK’s significant tourism deficit.”
She emphasized that the government should prioritize fostering “affordable and low-carbon public transport options like trains and buses.”
Jenny Bates, a transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth, warned that approving a third runway at Heathrow would be “extremely reckless given the ongoing climate emergency.” She also pointed out that such a decision contradicts the prime minister’s commitment to demonstrate international leadership on climate change.
Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, stated in an interview with BBC London last month: “It is essential for us to collaborate with both the government and our airlines to articulate our collective objectives and define our contributions to ensure success.”
He further commented, “Heathrow is uniquely connected globally, and everyone benefits from that connection. To keep pace with economic expansion, we must extend our capabilities beyond what is possible with the current runways.”
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, conveyed to the BBC that any airport expansions would be “essential” for the growth of businesses in the UK.
Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, which opposes the expansion, mentioned that the projects at Gatwick and Luton are “ready to go,” while an application for Heathrow could take “years” to finalize.
He suggested, “Any indications from the government that Heathrow’s expansion will be allowed to proceed lose significance when other expansions in the South East may already make Heathrow’s plans economically unviable.”
The plans for Heathrow’s expansion have historically created divisions within the Labour Party; Sir Keir Starmer opposed a third runway in 2018, while Reeves supported it.
A government spokesperson commented, “We are committed to reviving our economy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UK’s aviation sector. All expansion proposals must show their contribution to economic growth, which is core to our Plan for Change, while conforming to existing environmental standards.”
