Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have pressed ahead with plans for a third runway at Heathrow, publishing a public consultation on the proposed Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). Chancellor Reeves emphasised that growth is the Government's top priority, claiming an expanded Heathrow would support over 60,000 jobs and deliver up to £42 billion in benefits to the UK.
However, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have been accused of rushing the plan, with critics pointing to the threat from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is seeking a return to Westminster via the Makerfield by-election. Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said the announcement had been 'slipped out by a PM and Chancellor weeks before they're out of a job', warning that local communities, the environment and taxpayers would pay the price.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is opposing the expansion based on the 'severe impact it would have on noise, air pollution and ability to meet climate change targets'. A spokesman for Khan said he remains unconvinced that a new runway delivering hundreds of thousands of additional flights each year could be achieved without a hugely detrimental impact on the climate and environment.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye welcomed the Government's decisions, stating that the UK cannot realise its full economic potential without an expanded Heathrow. But Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, predicted that costs would soar, as happened with HS2, and accused ministers of a 'sham consultation held during the inattentive summer holiday period'.
The Government is backing Heathrow's £33 billion scheme to increase capacity by more than 50% to 756,000 flights a year, which would involve moving the M25. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the ANPS had been renamed the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), with up to 40% of growth benefits expected outside London and the South East.
