Ed Miliband’s Heathrow turnround

Growth, growth, growth is back on Rachel Reeves’ agenda – having been conspicuously absent in her first Budget last October. Still, no matter, the Chancellor now insists she is storming ahead with pro-business plans. Speaking at Davos – where else? – Reeves heavily hinted this morning that she will next week back a third runway at Heathrow when she makes her big speech talking about all the wonderful things the government will do for growth.

The news has got a big thumbs up from industry – but Labour MPs are less enthused. Some, like Ruth Cadbury, cite local opposition; others such as Clive Lewis worry about the environment. No less than eight of the current cabinet voted against the Heathrow third runway last time it came up for a vote in 2018 – including the Prime Minister. Among Keir Starmer’s old tweets is one from early 2020 when a legal challenge stopped Heathrow expansion.