Chancellor Rachel Reeves has officially thrown the government’s weight behind a third runway at Heathrow Airport, setting the stage for a fierce showdown with its many critics.
Speaking with determination, Reeves made it clear she’s ready to “fight” for economic growth, framing the expansion as a long-overdue decision that could no longer be ignored.
And it’s not just Heathrow on the agenda. Reeves also gave the green light to improved transport links between Oxford and Cambridge—her vision of “Europe’s Silicon Valley”—as well as backing a new stadium for Manchester United.
Labour may have promised to “change the country’s course”, but not everyone in the party is on board with this particular flight path.
“We cannot duck the decision any longer”
For Reeves, Britain’s growth has been “held back” for too long.
“Low growth is not our destiny. But growth will not come without a fight. Without a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better,” she declared.
On Heathrow specifically, she pointed out that the airport’s last runway was built in the 1940s and argued that the expansion could boost UK GDP by 0.43% by 2050 while creating over 100,000 jobs.
“A third runway would unlock growth, boost investment, increase exports and make the UK more open and more connected,” she said, urging for proposals to be put forward by the summer.
Labour in turbulence over Heathrow
However, not everyone in Labour is happy to buckle in for this ride.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have both strongly opposed the Heathrow expansion in the past. And they’re not alone—Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have also been vocal critics.
So, while Reeves may be steering the government towards Heathrow expansion, she could face turbulence from within her own ranks. With Labour already balancing various internal battles, this runway row could add yet another layer of division.
Will Labour stay united on its economic vision, or will Heathrow prove to be its next political battleground?
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