Heathrow Expansion 

January 2025, Unearthed

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at Heathrow, stating that the expansion of Europe’s busiest airport is “badly needed” for economic growth. Her “growth at all costs” stance puts her at odds with climate secretary Ed Miliband, who recently warned that airport expansions won’t proceed unless they meet climate targets. The decision marks the conclusion of a decades-long saga of debate and protest over Heathrow’s expansion. 

Reeves claims "sustainable aviation fuels" (SAFs) and electric planes could help offset the project’s emissions, but such technologies remain in early stages. The UK’s Climate Change Committee has repeatedly warned against expansion without a national framework to limit emissions.

While sustainable fuels are expected to account for 2% of the UK's jet fuel this year, scaling up remains a major challenge. A recent analysis by Carbon Brief found that a forest twice the size of Greater London would need to be planted to offset the extra emissions from the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports. Reeves said decisions on Gatwick and Luton expansions will be made “shortly” by the transport secretary.