A BBC interview has renewed speculation that the Government will announce its support for a third runway at Heathrow within days, despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer and seven of his Cabinet Ministers previously voting against it.
When asked on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme if an announcement was imminent, Chancellor Rachel Reeves declined to comment, but pointed out that the Government has already signed off the expansion of London City and Stansted airports.
She said: “That will be good for investment and trade in our country and also good for families wanting to go on cheap holidays.”
And she said that a third runway would avoid flights circling London because they’re unable to land at the overcrowded airport.
She added that ‘a lot has changed in terms of aviation’, with investment in sustainable fuel and electric planes since her boss Keir Starmer voted against expansion at Heathrow in 2018, when he was in opposition.
She added: “I believe that clean energy, that reducing our carbon emissions are good for economic growth.”
However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan remains opposed to a third runway and has said he will support a legal challenge if the Government gives the go-ahead.
In December, the airport said it needed a ‘clear steer’ from the Government by the end of this year if it is to proceed with plans for an additional runway.
