Reeves blasted for backing third Heathrow runway

Growth is the flavour of the month for Sir Keir Starmer’s government, with Rachel Reeves this morning delivering a big speech on Britain’s economic potential. As the Chancellor attempts to woo the public with a number of talking points in today’s address, all eyes remain on the rather controversial matter of Heathrow’s expansion – which, Reeves announced today, is ‘badly needed’. Going on, the Chancellor insisted:

We cannot duck the decision any longer. A third runway at Heathrow will unlock growth, boost investment and make the UK more open. This government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.

Golly. It won’t please a number of sceptics in her party, however – with Reeves facing criticism from within her own ranks last week after it was reported she planned to move forward with plans to build the new runway. As Katy Balls wrote on Tuesday, there has been many a grumble among Labour politicians about the reported proposals, with some concerned about the government prioritising growth over the environment.