The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed on Wednesday the government backs a third Heathrow runway and airport expansions.
The Chancellor said on Wednesday during a speech in Oxfordshire economic growth “will not come without a fight,” in an attempt to pump life back into the economy.
Reeves said this plan will create more than “100,000 jobs” as Heathrow “badly needed” a third runway.
However, building a third runway at Heathrow will impact hundreds of homes, villages and businesses in Longford and Harmondsworth which could be demolished.
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan opposes the scheme and there is also some opposition from Labour MPs.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will make announcement’s of Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport “shortly” for further expansions, the Chancellor said.
Reeves said, “Heathrow is at the heart of the UK’s openness as a country.
“We are taking a totally different approach to airport expansion.
“This Government has already given its support to expansion at [London] City airport and at Stansted, and there are two live decisions on Luton and Gatwick, which will be made by the Transport Secretary shortly.
“But as our only hub airport Heathrow is in a unique position, and we cannot duck the decision any longer.
“I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected.”
Sir Sadiq said: “I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow airport because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets.
“I will scrutinise carefully any new proposals that now come forward from Heathrow, including the impact it will have on people living in the area and the huge knock-on effects for our transport infrastructure.
“Despite the progress that’s been made in the aviation sector to make it more sustainable, I’m simply not convinced that you can have hundreds of thousands of additional flights at Heathrow every year without a hugely damaging impact on our environment.”
The Chancellor said the government will be “reducing the environmental requirements placed on developers” as they will pay into a “nature restoration fund.”
The Chancellor said companies should stop “worrying about the bats and the newts” and get Britain building again.
She added: “Heathrow themselves are clear that their proposal for expansion will meet strict rules on noise, air quality and carbon emissions, and we are already making great strides in transitioning to cleaner and greener aviation.”
Perry Phillips, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “The Heathrow third runway expansion has finally been cleared for take-off.
“We welcome the Government’s decision and the thousands of good, unionised jobs and apprenticeships the project will create.
“The project represents a huge boost for construction skills in this country, which will be vital for future infrastructure projects.
“A new runway will enable the UK to capitalise on Heathrow’s importance as the world’s most connected airport, generating billions for the economy.”
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