The UK government could back the proposed third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, according to the country’s chancellor Rachel Reeves. Reeves did not directly confirm the government’s support for the project, but suggested its commitment to sustainable aviation could support expansion. Speaking to the BBC, Reeves said a third Heathrow runway would increase the number of airport landings, and that changes to aviation fuel meant flying caused fewer carbon emissions. Reeves is expected to announce support for the expansion as part of a speech on measures to boost economic growth.
The UK government has recently indicated its intention to boost development by deregulating the planning system, fast-tracking permission for housing and commercial developments near train stations. The chancellor also emphasised the government’s commitment to economic growth, a key pledge of the ruling Labour Party. However, some have criticised the potential expansion of Heathrow due to concerns about its impact on air quality, noise, and the region’s ability to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport and is generally considered to be nearing capacity. However, opposition to its expansion has contributed to a lengthy approval process. Environmental groups and some Labour MPs have opposed the plans, along with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. However, the recently appointed UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has suggested that sustainable energy is compatible with the government’s growth goals. Reeves’ predecessor, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, warned in October 2020 that the fight against climate change risked being sacrificed in the desire for economic expansion.
Reeves has hinted that the UK could also join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM), an agreement between the EU and its neighbours that facilitates tariff-free trading. A recent speech by the EU’s new trade chief Maros Sefcovic suggested that the UK could join the partnership, which is designed to reduce trade barriers in the region. The move is seen as a potential benefit to UK businesses, which are enduring disruption caused by Brexit
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
