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A proposal from Chancellor Rachel Reeves to support the construction of a third runway at Heathrow and further expand Gatwick and Luton airports has faced significant criticism, with some deeming it a “desperate” measure amid internal opposition within the Labour Party.
Reeves is anticipated to deliver a series of announcements aimed at stimulating economic growth in a speech scheduled for later this month. This includes potentially endorsing the airport expansions that have been contentious for some time.
The backing for a third runway at Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, alongside the utilization of Gatwick’s second runway and an increase in Luton’s capacity, was initially reported by Bloomberg. During a recent session in the House of Commons, Reeves refrained from directly commenting on the rumored support for the Heathrow expansion, stating: “This government is absolutely committed to growing our economy and making this a great place for businesses to invest and trade in.”
The Chancellor’s push for these expansions comes as she seeks policy measures that could significantly enhance economic growth, which is projected at 1.6% for this year. This is in conjunction with efforts to mitigate the impacts of rising borrowing costs and a weaker pound.
Last October, the government celebrated the expansion of Stansted airport during an investment summit, highlighting a £1 billion investment from Manchester Airports Group as a critical step toward revitalizing the economy.
Despite the anticipated support from Reeves, her plans encounter resistance, particularly from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who opposes such airport expansions. Miliband’s role includes ensuring the UK adheres to its carbon budget, which outlines allowable emissions while striving for net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is expected to release a new carbon budget this spring. Past recommendations have emphasized that “there should be no net airport expansion unless the carbon-intensity of aviation is outperforming the government’s emissions reduction pathway and can accommodate the additional demand.”
Reeves may also face scrutiny from London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has consistently opposed airport expansions in the capital due to concerns regarding air quality, noise pollution, and the city’s 2030 net-zero target. A spokesperson for Khan reiterated these concerns to the Guardian.
Moreover, this initiative could face backlash from Labour backbenchers with constituencies near the airports or those engaged in climate advocacy. Labour MP Clive Lewis expressed this sentiment, noting that the CCC has called for a halt on airport expansions, stressing that it contradicts the government’s net-zero strategy.
Doug Parr, Greenpeace UK’s policy director, critiqued the revival of the Heathrow runway proposal, arguing that it reflects a lack of vision and would ultimately disregard environmental costs for questionable economic benefits. He pointed out that a recent surge in air travel has not translated into productivity gains or GDP growth, while business travel has been in a notable decline.
To alleviate some environmental concerns, Reeves is likely to point towards new regulations surrounding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Upcoming mandates will require the adoption of greener fuel options, with a target of 2% usage by the end of the current year aimed at offsetting the potential impacts of airport expansions.
In addition to airport expansions, other initiatives to stimulate growth include the proposed Lower Thames Crossing road tunnel and a Universal Studios theme park in Bedford. The local MP, Mohammad Yasin, has discussed these proposals with Reeves recently.
Reeves has long championed a third runway at Heathrow, having supported it during a vote in 2018, in contrast to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who opposed the initiative.
Heathrow officials are expected to unveil revised plans for the runway later this year, which may be less extensive than earlier proposals that would have disrupted nearby motorway operations.
While parliament previously approved the principle of a third runway, the airport has not yet submitted a full planning application. Similarly, Gatwick is awaiting a decision from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander regarding its plan to use its emergency runway as a second runway, which is due by February 27.
Plans for Luton’s expansion are also in the pipeline, with a decision from Alexander anticipated in April. Both Gatwick and Luton submitted their development plans to the Planning Inspectorate in 2023, which typically assesses these significant projects over a year before forwarding recommendations to the government for final approval.
A government spokesperson reiterated that all expansion proposals must substantiate their contributions to economic growth while remaining compliant with existing environmental responsibilities.
Source
www.theguardian.com