Rachel Reeves has expressed her endorsement for the addition of a third runway at Heathrow airport, highlighting potential environmental advantages like a reduction in the number of planes in holding patterns over London.
In anticipation of an important speech addressing economic growth later this week, the chancellor advocated for the expansion of Heathrow, noting significant investment in more sustainable aviation practices.
During an interview with BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves didn’t refute the possibility of unveiling plans for Heathrow’s expansion in her upcoming address on Wednesday.
“This government has already approved expansions at London City airport and Stansted airport. Both of these actions were delayed under the previous administration,” Reeves remarked. “We are proactively moving forward with initiatives that will enhance investment and trade in our nation, as well as benefit families seeking more affordable holiday options.”
When questioned about previous comments by Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, regarding the implications of a third runway on air quality and the UK’s progress toward its net zero emissions goals, Reeves responded: “The aviation landscape has significantly evolved.”
She went on to state that “a third runway would enable flights to land at Heathrow instead of circling London,” and emphasized that advancements in sustainable aviation fuels are “transforming carbon emissions associated with flying.”
“The aviation sector has undergone substantial changes, and the relationship between sustainable aviation and economic growth is increasingly intertwined,” the chancellor noted.
In a discussion with Sky News’ Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Reeves mentioned that any formal announcement regarding airport expansion would be made “with full collective ministerial responsibility.” However, she added that “this government has already approved various housing projects and datacenter infrastructures to support the AI and tech sectors, as well as initiatives for onshore wind development. We are backing numerous projects aimed at revitalizing our economy.”
“Many decisions were left unresolved by former ministers, causing a stall in economic growth and the investments our country requires to create meaningful jobs,” she said.
The Guardian reported last week that Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, had cautioned cabinet members that airport expansion could potentially violate the UK’s legally mandated carbon budget, which is crucial for meeting the net zero emissions target by 2050.
In addition, a leaked Treasury analysis suggested that transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels could raise economy ticket prices by approximately £37.80 by 2040, indicating that consumers would bear 75% of the costs associated with more sustainable fuel options.
Currently, aircraft predominantly utilize environmentally harmful kerosene as jet fuel; however, they can cut emissions by up to 80% through biofuels derived from feedstocks, cooking oils, or crops, which poses challenges related to land use and food production.
On Sunday, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, also voiced her support for the third runway at Heathrow.
“I have previously voted in favor of this initiative, and I would do so again. My priority is to ensure that it is executed properly,” she stated in an interview with Sky News.
“It is essential that we build the necessary infrastructure, and if Heathrow believes that a third runway can be delivered according to established criteria, then we should proceed honestly and responsibly.”
