Scepticism in Whitehall that Heathrow plan can be reconciled with climate targets
Scepticism in Whitehall that Heathrow plan can be reconciled with climate targets
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Emission targets could derail project as campaigners say net zero commitment cannot be met if expansion happens. Rachel Reeves caused a furious backlash as she insisted a third runway at Heathrow was “set up for success”, despite scepticism in Whitehall that the plan can be reconciled with the UK’s climate obligations.
![[Protesters hold a banner that says ‘There’s no growth on a dead planet’ and placards displaying tweets by cabinet members opposing Heathrow expansion in the past.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/7a403e48f3574de457d99bbf69cf4958bbb125fc/0_200_6000_3600/master/6000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The chancellor made throwing the government’s weight behind Heathrow expansion the centrepiece of a major speech on growth on Wednesday. “As our only hub airport, Heathrow is in a unique position – and we cannot duck the decision any longer,” she said, adding: “The case is stronger than ever.”.
Reeves struck a determinedly optimistic tone on the UK’s economic prospects after accusations that she was too gloomy during Labour’s early months in power and a government bond selloff jeopardised her tax and spending targets. “Everything I see as I travel around the country gives me more belief in Britain and more optimism about our future, because we as a country have huge potential,” she said.
But the Heathrow plan – meant to signal the government’s determination to push through objections and back major infrastructure projects after two decades of uncertainty around the project – was immediately questioned by some government insiders.
Reeves said the government would draw up an airport national policy statement in the coming months to ensure the third runway is “in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations”. Some Labour sources insist that means the airport’s expansion will never happen – because it would trash the government’s emissions targets.
