The debate over a third runway at Heathrow heats up, dividing the Labour Party and sparking public interest.
London: The debate about a third runway at Heathrow Airport is back. This issue has split opinions within the Labour Party.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to support the runway expansion. She also backs growth at Gatwick and Luton Airports.
However, some Labour leaders, like Ed Miliband and Sadiq Khan, strongly oppose the idea. They worry about the environmental impact.
Reeves believes airport expansions are vital for economic growth. Critics argue these plans could hurt the UK’s climate goals.
Party leader Keir Starmer, who voted against the runway in 2018, now seems to support it. This shift adds to the party’s divisions.
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Environmental groups are not happy about the plans. Alethea Warrington from climate charity Possible called it a “catastrophic misstep.” She highlighted the risk of increased carbon emissions.
Warrington suggests the government should focus on affordable, low-carbon transport options like trains and buses instead.
Jenny Bates from Friends of the Earth shares similar concerns. She says the runway would worsen air pollution and noise for local residents.
Bates added that this move contradicts the Prime Minister’s promise to lead on climate change.
The third runway got parliamentary approval in 2018 but has faced delays due to legal issues and COVID-19 disruptions.
Right now, there’s no application for Development Consent Order, leaving the project’s future unclear.
Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is considering other airport expansions. Gatwick is waiting for approval to use its emergency northern runway regularly, with a decision expected by February 27.
Luton Airport is also waiting for a decision on increasing its passenger capacity by April 3.
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