Chancellor swerves question over 'catastrophic' Heathrow runway expansion plans
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The chancellor has failed to say whether she supports the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, which campaign groups have called "catastrophic" and "irresponsible". Rachel Reeves had reportedly been considering the expansion of the west London hub, as well as Gatwick and Luton airports, during a speech on growth next week.
But when asked in the Commons on Tuesday about the rumours, which were initially reported by Bloomberg, Ms Reeves replied: "I'm not going to comment on leaks". Plans to increase passenger capacity at the three London airports have prompted a furious reaction from environmental groups.
Jenny Bates, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth, called the proposal for another runway at Heathrow "hugely irresponsible in the midst of a climate emergency". Alethea Warrington, from climate charity Possible, agreed: "Approving airport expansions would be a catastrophic misstep for a government which claims to be a climate leader.".
The prime minister's spokesperson told Sky News: "The government is determined to get the economy growing, any airport expansion must demonstrate it contributes to economic growth and fits with environmental obligations.". London mayor Sadiq Khan has been a fierce critic of attempts by Heathrow to build a third runway in west London, on the basis of the impact on air quality, noise and net-zero targets.
