Reeves says growth is ‘outpacing’ net zero as Heathrow runway decision approaches

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the pursuit of growth “trumps” the government’s net zero commitments, and she is preparing for growth. Indicate your support To expand the airport in the London area, including Heathrow Airport.

During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Reeves He said: “When we say that growth is the first mission of this government, we mean it. That means it trumps other things.”

Reeves is expected to indicate in a speech next week that the government supports the expansion of Gatwick and Luton airports, while reaffirming its support for a third runway at Heathrow.

Sir Keir Starmer and many senior Labor figures have previously opposed Heathrow expansion, and the issue is likely to divide the Cabinet.

A decision on whether to approve the proposal would force the government to choose between its stated goals of supporting “growth” and reducing the UK’s carbon emissions.

Some Whitehall officials believe Reeves, a supporter of Heathrow expansion, is trying to persuade Starmer to publicly approve a third runway. “This is not my assessment,” said one of the prime minister’s allies.

When Starmer was asked about the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday, he declined to comment on “speculation”, adding: “As a government we are committed to growth. We are committed to the aviation sector and to our climate commitments.”

In theory, Reeves reiterating her support for Heathrow’s third runway could be the political signal the airport management needs before it decides whether or not to go ahead with the proposals later this year.

In the last Commons vote on a third runway at Heathrow in 2018, seven members of the current government voted against it, including Starmer. The others are Ed Miliband, Steve Reid, Lisa Nandy, Darren Jones, Anneliese Dodds and Hilary Benn.

But Heathrow Airport management has been reluctant to revive the scheme without clear political support. Miliband, who is now climate change minister, threatened to resign over the issue during Gordon Brown’s government, while London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan also remains opposed.

A spokesman for Khan said this week: “The mayor has long-standing opposition to airport expansion around London – linked to the negative impact on air quality, noise and London’s ability to reach net zero by 2030.”

Critics argue that the massive expansion of aviation does not meet the UK’s legally binding target to reach net-zero carbon emissions, because aviation is one of the most difficult industries to decarbonise – despite growing hopes for the use of “sustainable aviation fuels”.

Downing Street said this week it still needs a third runway at Heathrow to meet its four tests on carbon emissions, noise, air quality and growth. Experts consider local noise and air pollution issues to be the most difficult in the busy west London location.