A third Heathrow runway is ‘badly needed’ Chancellor Rachel Reeves said after formally giving Government backing for the project.
The Government will support a third runway at Heathrow and other airport expansion plans.
Acknowledging opposition even from her own backbenches, she said it ‘will not come without a fight.’
Reeves claims a third Heathrow runway will generate 100,000 jobs.
“Heathrow is at the heart of the UK’s openness as a country. We are taking a totally different approach to airport expansion,” she said.
“This Government has already given its support to expansion at [London] City airport and at Stansted, and there are two live decisions on Luton and Gatwick, which will be made by the Transport Secretary shortly.”
Several travel leaders have responded supporting it in principle.
“We are pleased that the Government has backed the expansion of our airports, a decision that will drive regional growth, trade and investment,” said Joss Croft OBE, CEO, UKinbound.
“Air connectivity is vitally important to the UK’s fifth largest export industry, inbound tourism, and a third runway at Heathrow and the reopening of Sheffield Doncaster Airport, will make it even easier to travel to the UK.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership said: “We’re pleased to see the government supporting essential infrastructure growth including the third runway at Heathrow. These expansions will significantly improve the passenger experience for both leisure and business travellers.”
Virgin Atlantic also responded: “Heathrow is critical national infrastructure yet it remains the world’s most expensive airport with a service that falls short. We are supportive if there is fundamental reform to the flawed regulatory model to ensure value for money for consumers.”
