Heathrow's Third Runway Could Be Built by 2035, Chancellor Says
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms government backing for Heathrow expansion and other infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the UK government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, stating it could be built and operational within a decade.
Reeves emphasized that efforts to expedite the planning process, including changes to the planning system, would enable the runway to be ready by 2035. Despite opposition from Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Reeves asserted that the expansion would go ahead, dismissing potential delays from judicial reviews.
The government’s decision aligns with its broader infrastructure strategy to stimulate economic growth, with additional support for airport expansions at Luton and Gatwick and a ‘growth corridor’ between Oxford and Cambridge.
However, critics including Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and the Green Party have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the expansion.
The government’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuels, with a target to reach 10% use by 2030, was highlighted, although supply remains limited.
Other infrastructure plans, such as HS2 and nature restoration funds, were also discussed in the context of balancing development with environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, the Resolution Foundation has warned that higher borrowing costs may necessitate tax increases or spending cuts to meet fiscal targets.
Reeves emphasized that efforts to expedite the planning process, including changes to the planning system, would enable the runway to be ready by 2035. Despite opposition from Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Reeves asserted that the expansion would go ahead, dismissing potential delays from judicial reviews.
The government’s decision aligns with its broader infrastructure strategy to stimulate economic growth, with additional support for airport expansions at Luton and Gatwick and a ‘growth corridor’ between Oxford and Cambridge.
However, critics including Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and the Green Party have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the expansion.
The government’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuels, with a target to reach 10% use by 2030, was highlighted, although supply remains limited.
Other infrastructure plans, such as HS2 and nature restoration funds, were also discussed in the context of balancing development with environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, the Resolution Foundation has warned that higher borrowing costs may necessitate tax increases or spending cuts to meet fiscal targets.
