The UK government has hinted at supporting the expansion of Heathrow Airport, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizing the need for sustainable aviation and economic growth.
Government’s Stance on Heathrow Expansion: Chancellor Hints at Support
The UK government has hinted that it would support the expansion of Heathrow Airport, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves stating that “sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand.” This comes as part of a major speech on plans to boost the economy, which is expected to be delivered next week.
Reeves emphasized that a third runway at Heathrow would enable flights to land instead of circling London, reducing congestion and improving air travel. She also highlighted the importance of sustainable fuel in reducing carbon emissions from flying, saying “a lot has changed in terms of aviation” with investment in clean energy.
The government’s stance on Heathrow expansion has been a contentious issue, with many opposing it due to concerns over air quality, noise pollution, and the capital’s ability to reach net zero. However, Reeves argued that clean energy and reducing carbon emissions are essential for economic growth, saying “I believe that clean energy, that reducing our carbon emissions are good for economic growth.”
Government’s Plans for Economic Growth
The government has been pushing for economic growth, pledging to raise living standards and deliver the highest sustained economic growth in the G7 group of rich nations by the time of the next election. However, recent figures have shown that between July and September, the economy had zero growth, and the latest monthly figures for November showed only a small uptick.
Reeves has vowed to go “further and faster” to remove barriers blocking investment, saying she does not believe “low growth is our destiny.” The government has also announced plans to fast-track permission for housing and commercial developments near train stations, as well as pare back environmental impact assessments.
Heathrow Expansion: A Divisive Issue
The expansion of Heathrow has long been opposed by green groups, some Labour MPs, and residents living near the airport. Sir Keir Starmer and seven ministers who attend his cabinet voted against proposals for a third runway in 2018 when the party was in opposition.
However, last week, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said he would not resign if the government backed a third runway, insisting clean energy was “absolutely complementary” with the government’s growth mission. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has maintained his opposition to a third runway and has threatened to support a legal challenge if the government backs proposals.
Government’s Post-Brexit Trade Plans
Reeves also suggested that the government would consider joining an arrangement between the European Union and neighboring countries designed to facilitate tariff-free trading. The EU’s new trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, told the BBC last week that he was open to Britain joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as part of a post-Brexit “reset.”
The chancellor said the government is “happy to look at these different proposals” because the current deal “is not working well enough” for businesses.
