Rachel Reeves has confirmed government support for expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway, a decision likely to spark controversy.

Speaking in a major address on economic growth, the Chancellor announced:
"I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer."

Reeves emphasized that any expansion must align with the UK’s legal, environmental, and climate commitments.

The proposal has long faced opposition from environmental campaigners and political figures. Critics argue that increasing Heathrow’s capacity contradicts the UK’s climate goals. Labour donor Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, has called the expansion a “mistake,” while London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced strong opposition, pledging to back any legal challenge against the project. Photo by Ed Webster, Wikimedia commons.