Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism from within her own party after endorsing a third runway at Heathrow, a move that some Labour figures say undermines the government’s environmental commitments. Reeves, who previously opposed expansion at Leeds Bradford Airport on pollution grounds, had vowed to be Britain’s “first green chancellor” in 2021, pledging £28bn annually for a green energy revolution.
Last week, however, her backing for Heathrow expansion—alongside plans to create a “Silicon Valley” between Oxford and Cambridge—signalled a shift in focus toward economic growth. Critics argue that the green agenda has been sidelined. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed dismay, and reports suggest Energy Secretary Ed Miliband voiced opposition in cabinet, citing conflicts with climate goals.
One senior party figure remarked: “If we do this, we might as well just forget climate change now.” Another source noted that “the green part of the bargain has been dramatically de-emphasised.” Environmentalists reacted with cynicism, with one saying the third runway is “simply never ever going to happen” due to political and logistical hurdles, including rerouting the M25 and likely breaching climate commitments.
Reeves insisted she had supported Heathrow expansion since 2017 and that it would only proceed if consistent with the UK’s climate obligations. However, party insiders described the move as “desperate,” driven by the need to restore business confidence after an unpopular budget and bond market jitters in early January. Analysts also cast doubt on claims that sustainable aviation fuel is a “gamechanger,” calling it “essentially a mirage” due to land and food security concerns.
