The revival of discussions regarding a third runway at Heathrow Airport has prompted another wave of introspection among MPs in London.
The dilemma pits economic growth against environmental concerns, and personal ambition against principles. For many, the decisions ahead are bound to be challenging.
The last time MPs cast their votes on this issue, back in 2018, close to 30 Labour MPs voted against expansion during a free vote. Some of those dissenters now occupy positions in government, including roles in the Cabinet.
Attention will be focused on how Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer articulates his shift in stance since he voted against the expansion nearly seven years ago.
Although the choice to support the expansion of Heathrow’s runway doesn’t necessitate a Commons vote, constituents are likely to be eager to understand their representatives’ current positions.
Among those in the Cabinet who previously opposed the project are Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and now Secretary of State for the Environment, and Ellie Reeves, who represents Lewisham West and is a minister without portfolio.
The situation appears particularly intricate for Sarah Jones, the MP for Croydon Central. As a minister involved in both the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the Department for Trade, she faces the challenge of reconciling differing priorities within her dual roles.
Ms. Jones is one of several London MPs, including ministers, that we have yet to contact to clarify their views.
Other government figures who were against expansion previously include housing minister Matthew Pennycook, Catherine West from the Foreign Office, and Fleur Anderson in the Northern Ireland Office.
For many senior Labour members, maintaining a consistent stance should be manageable. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting were both supporters of the expansion in the past, as were ministers Stephen Timms and Seema Malhotra, whose constituents in Feltham and Heston rely heavily on the airport for their livelihoods.
However, it remains uncertain how many of the newly elected London Labour MPs currently feel about this issue, and who might take a firm position as developments unfold.
In Parliament, Deidre Costigan, the MP for Southall, highlighted the core challenge and potential compromises, urging the government to find a balance between “the need for economic growth and quality local jobs” and efforts to reduce air and noise pollution.
A group of four newly elected MPs—Dan Tomlinson, Joe Powell, Rachel Blake, and Danny Beales—have joined the Labour growth group, which is showing support for expansion principles.
Mr. Beales, who represents Uxbridge and South Ruislip, noted that while his constituents benefit from the jobs and economic activities associated with the airport, there are significant concerns related to increased flights and noise. He stated he would assess any proposals from Heathrow based on strict criteria regarding air quality, noise, climate impacts, and overall growth; he remains adamant he will not endorse a proposal that does not meet these standards.
Veteran Labour figures like Andy Slaughter and Clive Efford seem unlikely to alter their previous opposition, alongside Diane Abbott and Dawn Butler.
John McDonnell, currently serving without a party whip, has made his ongoing resistance clear. Another steadfast opponent has been Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, who now chairs the Transport Select Committee.
Former MP for Tooting and current London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan also stands against the third runway, citing noise, air quality issues, and climate change targets as his main objections. He remarked earlier on BBC Radio London that significant strides had been made in improving air quality in London, yet air pollution remains a critical problem, particularly around Heathrow. He added, “Despite my support for development, I cannot endorse a new runway at Heathrow.”
The Conservatives had previously opposed the expansion in 2010, influenced by then-Mayor Boris Johnson. However, under Theresa May’s leadership, they shifted their position and advocated for the third runway after Johnson dodged a parliamentary vote—one that was largely in favor—by traveling to Afghanistan.
Now, the Conservative party appears ready to support the third runway in principle, but shadow transport minister Gareth Bacon has stated there are substantial challenges ahead, which include rerouting the M25, displacing thousands of residents, affecting nearly a million people under new flight paths, and dismantling an incinerator.
Meanwhile, all six Liberal Democrat MPs in London have expressed their opposition to any expansion plans.
