Sun, 26 Jan 2025

Reeves hints at support for Heathrow expansion

An announcement is expected next week, as part of major speech on plans to boost the economy.

* Chancellor Rachel Reeves hints at government support for third runway at Heathrow, saying sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand.
* A third runway will allow flights to land instead of circling London, while sustainable fuel reduces carbon emissions from flying.
* The government plans to set out its plans on airport expansion in due course, with an announcement expected next week as part of a major speech on boosting the economy.
* Reeves says she does not believe "low growth is our destiny" and pledges to go "further and faster" to remove barriers blocking investment.
* The government has already signed off the expansion of London City Airport and Stansted.
* The chancellor believes clean energy and reducing carbon emissions are good for economic growth, amid criticism from Labour mayor Sadiq Khan that expanding Heathrow would have a damaging impact on air quality and noise.
* Reeves' comments have been seen as part of a push to prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns, with some critics accusing her of looking "desperate" in her search for growth.
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