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Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OPINION - Heathrow's third runway is what Britain needs — and should make every Londoner happy
In today's speech supporting infrastructure investment, Rachel Reeves has indicated that that growth is the word of the day — and she isn't wrong. Look at productivity, for example. The UK's productivity per worker has barely risen above 2007 levels. This has crushed our salaries, innovation, and most importantly, our standard of living — and it is fundamentally connected to what the UK has permitted to be (or not to be) built. If the UK cannot supply the necessary roads, energy, or runway for bringing in more investment, then productivity slumps. Heathrow's expansion is the metaphor for this. Heathrow is one of the most busiest airports in the world, despite its antiquated infrastructure — punching above its weight with only two runways, against Atlanta's 5, Schiphol's 6, and Dubai's proposed 5. Plans to expand the airport have been in the works since 2012 under the Airports Commission, but have until now, been taboo for parties Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Local NIMBYs should also be glad of this expansion During Theresa May's Premiership, a third runway received the green light, only for it to be crushed against the rocks of bureaucratic and political inertia. But the case for expansion is clear — demand for travelling to Britain has surpassed supply and now is finally the time to act. Opponents come from a loosely knit group of local NIMBYs, who don't want more planes in the skies above their suburban gardens and anti-prosperity environmentalists who query the ability of the government to meet Net Zero (despite clear indications that it will not impact Carbon Budgets or overall climate goals). De-growther environmentalists should not be worried. Heathrow's expansion would permit a significant signal of confidence in Britain's burgeoning Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry, with Heathrow likely insisting that cleaner, more modern aircraft only be permitted to enter the airport as part of its deal with the government. Local NIMBYs should also be glad of this expansion. Whilst there may be some disruption in the short term as the runway is built, at least 15% of people under current flight paths will be relieved of the noise of over-flying aircraft as routes are diverted. An additional runway may also decrease the noisy and polluting 'holding stacks' of aircraft looking to land, but do not have the runway space to do so. Meanwhile, the local economy benefits will be multifaceted, whether through higher local employment and investment in local infrastructure to support the new airport. As with any project of this scheme, locals always benefit in the medium to long run — they will be more than compensated for their short-term inconveniences. Brits should rejoice at this announcement of support. Heathrow's expansion could see the ticket prices for getting away fall by up to 20%, whilst highstreets and hospitality venues, in desperate need of support, would experience a surge of tourists and foreign visitors. Heathrow is the first serious growth test for the government Heathrow, as well as proposed capacity-increases for Luton and Gatwick, is the first serious growth test for the government. The City and international investors will be looking to see how enthusiastically the government supports and executes this critical project. Whitehall should look to make a clear differentiation between the disaster of HS2's execution, and a rapid, effective implementation of infrastructure investment. Should the Chancellor pass this test, the UK can expect significant gains in investment, a rallying of confidence in UK bonds, and relief from the pro-growth voices in her party, and around the UK. Heathrow is vitally important for the UK — those of us on the free-market right are wishing her all the best as she looks to get Britain going again. The proof, as is always, is in the tarmac-covered pudding. Maxwell Marlow is director of research at the Adam Smith Institute
Sky News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Sky News
A long history of Heathrow's third runway plans
A third runway for Heathrow is back in the offing as the chancellor has backed expansion of Europe's busiest airport. This is not the first time an extra runway has been proposed, with Heathrow's expansion having a chequered past. The first plans for Heathrow had six runways in a hexagon shape (pictured below), with a proposal for three more to be added. It was initially built with those six runways in 1946 but by the 1970s three had been closed due to new planes needing longer runways. A fourth was decommissioned in 2003, leaving the two current runways. Discussions about a third parallel runway began in the 1980s and in 2009 Gordon Brown's Labour government approved an expansion, saying it was needed for economic reasons. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition scrapped it in 2010, with then prime minister David Cameron saying there would be no expansion "no ifs, no buts". Mr Cameron's government established the independent Airports Commission to look at London's airport capacity problems and in 2015 it recommended Heathrow as the preferred site for a new runway. In 2018, Theresa May's government approved the plan but it was opposed by several local MPs, including Boris Johnson who said he would lie down in front of bulldozers to stop its construction. However, Mr Johnson, then foreign secretary, was not there for the vote as he was in Afghanistan. In early 2020, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, city councils and environmental groups applied for a judicial review against the plans. The Court of Appeal ruled the expansion decision was unlawful as it did not take climate commitments into account. However, later that year the ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court after Heathrow appealed it, allowing a planning application to go ahead. The plan was stalled by the pandemic and falling passenger numbers post-COVID, as well as concerns about cost. In 2024, Heathrow's boss said building a third runway is "still part of the strategy" for coping with ever-increasing passenger traffic at Europe's busiest airport. Last year, the airport broke its record for the highest number of passengers, with 83.9 million using Heathrow in 2024 - three million more than its previous record in 2019. It is consistently in the world's top five busiest air hubs and is forecast to serve 84.2m passengers this year.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Key dates in Heathrow expansion saga
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give her support for the building of a third runway at Heathrow. Here is a timeline of key events in the long-running saga over expansion of the west London airport. – June 2001 It is reported that Labour ministers are 'seriously considering' building a third runway at Heathrow in order to keep pace with other European airports. – July 2002 The Labour Government sets out its UK airport expansion options, which include a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling says 'doing nothing is not an option' because capacity will not meet demand. – December 2003 The Government publishes a White Paper outlining plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow. – August 2007 Protesters opposed to the aviation industry and Heathrow expansion set up a Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of the airport. – November 2007 The Labour Government outlines proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. The new runway could be in operation by 2020. – September 2008 The Opposition Conservative Party promises to scrap the planned third runway and opt instead for a high-speed rail network linking Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London. – January 15 2009 Labour backs a third runway despite strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, neighbouring councils and its own backbenchers. The project gets the go-ahead after Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the needs of the economy and the environment have to be balanced. – January 23 2009 London Mayor Boris Johnson and a team of engineers sail into the Thames Estuary in search of a possible site for a new airport. He says the proposal to build an airport on an artificial island in the estuary could be a viable alternative to Heathrow. – October 2009 Opposition leader David Cameron tells a public meeting in Richmond, south-west London, that Heathrow expansion will not go ahead, saying 'no ifs, no buts'. – May 2010 Labour loses the General Election. The new coalition Government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats immediately scraps the third runway proposal. – March 2012 Both Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne acknowledge a need for airport expansion in south-east England. It is reported they are prepared to look again at options for Heathrow. – September 2012 An independent Airports Commission on future airport policy is set up by Whitehall, to be chaired by Sir Howard Davies. – December 2013 Politicians are likely to have to decide between a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick, following an interim report by the Airports Commission. – September 2014 The 'Boris Island' Thames Estuary airport plan is officially rejected by the Airports Commission. The scheme, championed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is ruled out after the commission says the proposal has 'substantial disadvantages'. – July 2015 The long-awaited report by the Airports Commission recommends that a new runway should be built at Heathrow rather than Gatwick. – June 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron resigns following victory for the Brexit campaign in the EU referendum, leaving the decision on airport expansion for his successor, Theresa May. – October 2016 The Conservative Government announces its support for Heathrow expansion. A public consultation will be held on its impact. – March 2018 A report by the Commons' Transport Select Committee warns that Heathrow's expansion bid should not be approved without tougher measures to protect communities and passengers. More safeguards on issues such as air quality, noise, regional connectivity and airport charges are needed, according to the cross-party group of MPs. – June 5 2018 Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's proposal for an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) supporting Heathrow expansion is given the go-ahead by the Cabinet. – June 25 2018 MPs vote in favour of the NPS by a large majority. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson misses the vote because he is on a diplomatic visit to Afghanistan. – May 2019 The High Court dismisses four separate judicial reviews of the Government's decision to approve Heathrow expansion, brought by a group of councils, residents, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and environmental charities. – June 2019 Heathrow opens a consultation on its expansion plans, which include a proposal to realign the M25 motorway under a tunnel. – February 2020 Campaigners win a Court of Appeal ruling which finds the Government's decision was unlawful because it failed to take account of its own climate commitments when it approved the scheme. – March 2020 Despite passenger numbers plummeting because of coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye says the airport 'desperately' needs a third runway to enhance the UK's access to global markets. – December 2020 Heathrow wins a Supreme Court challenge, overturning the Court of Appeal's ruling in February 2020. – October 2023 Conservative transport minister Jesse Norman says Heathrow expansion still has the 'in principle' support of Parliament but it is up to the airport to submit a Development Consent Order application which demonstrates the project will meet 'strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed'. – February 2024 Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's recently appointed chief executive, says passenger numbers growing to above pre-pandemic levels 'firms up the business case' for a third runway. – December 2024: Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says the Government needs to decide if it wants a third runway 'relatively fast' because 'we cannot keep on spending money on this'. He adds: 'If that answer is yes, then let's sit down and agree on the conditions that need to be true.' – January 2025 Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to use a speech on growth to support the third runway scheme and endorse expansion at Gatwick and Luton Airports. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
29-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Key dates in Heathrow expansion saga
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give her support for the building of a third runway at Heathrow. Here is a timeline of key events in the long-running saga over expansion of the west London airport. – June 2001 It is reported that Labour ministers are 'seriously considering' building a third runway at Heathrow in order to keep pace with other European airports. – July 2002 The Labour Government sets out its UK airport expansion options, which include a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling says 'doing nothing is not an option' because capacity will not meet demand. – December 2003 The Government publishes a White Paper outlining plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow. – August 2007 Protesters opposed to the aviation industry and Heathrow expansion set up a Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of the airport. – November 2007 The Labour Government outlines proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. The new runway could be in operation by 2020. – September 2008 The Opposition Conservative Party promises to scrap the planned third runway and opt instead for a high-speed rail network linking Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London. – January 15 2009 Labour backs a third runway despite strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, neighbouring councils and its own backbenchers. The project gets the go-ahead after Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the needs of the economy and the environment have to be balanced. – January 23 2009 London Mayor Boris Johnson and a team of engineers sail into the Thames Estuary in search of a possible site for a new airport. He says the proposal to build an airport on an artificial island in the estuary could be a viable alternative to Heathrow. – October 2009 Opposition leader David Cameron tells a public meeting in Richmond, south-west London, that Heathrow expansion will not go ahead, saying 'no ifs, no buts'. – May 2010 Labour loses the General Election. The new coalition Government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats immediately scraps the third runway proposal. – March 2012 Both Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne acknowledge a need for airport expansion in south-east England. It is reported they are prepared to look again at options for Heathrow. – September 2012 An independent Airports Commission on future airport policy is set up by Whitehall, to be chaired by Sir Howard Davies. – December 2013 Politicians are likely to have to decide between a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick, following an interim report by the Airports Commission. – September 2014 The 'Boris Island' Thames Estuary airport plan is officially rejected by the Airports Commission. The scheme, championed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is ruled out after the commission says the proposal has 'substantial disadvantages'. – July 2015 The long-awaited report by the Airports Commission recommends that a new runway should be built at Heathrow rather than Gatwick. – June 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron resigns following victory for the Brexit campaign in the EU referendum, leaving the decision on airport expansion for his successor, Theresa May. – October 2016 The Conservative Government announces its support for Heathrow expansion. A public consultation will be held on its impact. – March 2018 A report by the Commons' Transport Select Committee warns that Heathrow's expansion bid should not be approved without tougher measures to protect communities and passengers. More safeguards on issues such as air quality, noise, regional connectivity and airport charges are needed, according to the cross-party group of MPs. – June 5 2018 Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's proposal for an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) supporting Heathrow expansion is given the go-ahead by the Cabinet. – June 25 2018 MPs vote in favour of the NPS by a large majority. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson misses the vote because he is on a diplomatic visit to Afghanistan. – May 2019 The High Court dismisses four separate judicial reviews of the Government's decision to approve Heathrow expansion, brought by a group of councils, residents, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and environmental charities. – June 2019 Heathrow opens a consultation on its expansion plans, which include a proposal to realign the M25 motorway under a tunnel. – February 2020 Campaigners win a Court of Appeal ruling which finds the Government's decision was unlawful because it failed to take account of its own climate commitments when it approved the scheme. – March 2020 Despite passenger numbers plummeting because of coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye says the airport 'desperately' needs a third runway to enhance the UK's access to global markets. – December 2020 Heathrow wins a Supreme Court challenge, overturning the Court of Appeal's ruling in February 2020. – October 2023 Conservative transport minister Jesse Norman says Heathrow expansion still has the 'in principle' support of Parliament but it is up to the airport to submit a Development Consent Order application which demonstrates the project will meet 'strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed'. – February 2024 Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's recently appointed chief executive, says passenger numbers growing to above pre-pandemic levels 'firms up the business case' for a third runway. – December 2024: Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says the Government needs to decide if it wants a third runway 'relatively fast' because 'we cannot keep on spending money on this'. He adds: 'If that answer is yes, then let's sit down and agree on the conditions that need to be true.' – January 2025 Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to use a speech on growth to support the third runway scheme and endorse expansion at Gatwick and Luton Airports.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Key dates in Heathrow expansion saga
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give her support for the building of a third runway at Heathrow. Here is a timeline of key events in the long-running saga over expansion of the west London airport. – June 2001 It is reported that Labour ministers are 'seriously considering' building a third runway at Heathrow in order to keep pace with other European airports. – July 2002 The Labour Government sets out its UK airport expansion options, which include a third runway at Heathrow. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling says 'doing nothing is not an option' because capacity will not meet demand. – December 2003 The Government publishes a White Paper outlining plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow. – August 2007 Protesters opposed to the aviation industry and Heathrow expansion set up a Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of the airport. – November 2007 The Labour Government outlines proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal. The new runway could be in operation by 2020. – September 2008 The Opposition Conservative Party promises to scrap the planned third runway and opt instead for a high-speed rail network linking Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London. – January 15 2009 Labour backs a third runway despite strong opposition from local residents, environmental groups, neighbouring councils and its own backbenchers. The project gets the go-ahead after Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the needs of the economy and the environment have to be balanced. – January 23 2009 London Mayor Boris Johnson and a team of engineers sail into the Thames Estuary in search of a possible site for a new airport. He says the proposal to build an airport on an artificial island in the estuary could be a viable alternative to Heathrow. – October 2009 Opposition leader David Cameron tells a public meeting in Richmond, south-west London, that Heathrow expansion will not go ahead, saying 'no ifs, no buts'. – May 2010 Labour loses the General Election. The new coalition Government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats immediately scraps the third runway proposal. – March 2012 Both Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne acknowledge a need for airport expansion in south-east England. It is reported they are prepared to look again at options for Heathrow. – September 2012 An independent Airports Commission on future airport policy is set up by Whitehall, to be chaired by Sir Howard Davies. – December 2013 Politicians are likely to have to decide between a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick, following an interim report by the Airports Commission. – September 2014 The 'Boris Island' Thames Estuary airport plan is officially rejected by the Airports Commission. The scheme, championed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is ruled out after the commission says the proposal has 'substantial disadvantages'. – July 2015 The long-awaited report by the Airports Commission recommends that a new runway should be built at Heathrow rather than Gatwick. – June 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron resigns following victory for the Brexit campaign in the EU referendum, leaving the decision on airport expansion for his successor, Theresa May. – October 2016 The Conservative Government announces its support for Heathrow expansion. A public consultation will be held on its impact. – March 2018 A report by the Commons' Transport Select Committee warns that Heathrow's expansion bid should not be approved without tougher measures to protect communities and passengers. More safeguards on issues such as air quality, noise, regional connectivity and airport charges are needed, according to the cross-party group of MPs. – June 5 2018 Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's proposal for an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) supporting Heathrow expansion is given the go-ahead by the Cabinet. – June 25 2018 MPs vote in favour of the NPS by a large majority. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson misses the vote because he is on a diplomatic visit to Afghanistan. – May 2019 The High Court dismisses four separate judicial reviews of the Government's decision to approve Heathrow expansion, brought by a group of councils, residents, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and environmental charities. – June 2019 Heathrow opens a consultation on its expansion plans, which include a proposal to realign the M25 motorway under a tunnel. – February 2020 Campaigners win a Court of Appeal ruling which finds the Government's decision was unlawful because it failed to take account of its own climate commitments when it approved the scheme. – March 2020 Despite passenger numbers plummeting because of coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye says the airport 'desperately' needs a third runway to enhance the UK's access to global markets. – December 2020 Heathrow wins a Supreme Court challenge, overturning the Court of Appeal's ruling in February 2020. – October 2023 Conservative transport minister Jesse Norman says Heathrow expansion still has the 'in principle' support of Parliament but it is up to the airport to submit a Development Consent Order application which demonstrates the project will meet 'strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed'. – February 2024 Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's recently appointed chief executive, says passenger numbers growing to above pre-pandemic levels 'firms up the business case' for a third runway. – December 2024: Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says the Government needs to decide if it wants a third runway 'relatively fast' because 'we cannot keep on spending money on this'. He adds: 'If that answer is yes, then let's sit down and agree on the conditions that need to be true.' – January 2025 Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to use a speech on growth to support the third runway scheme and endorse expansion at Gatwick and Luton Airports.
