Latest news with #AirportsNationalPolicyStatement
The National
12-02-2025
- Business
- The National
Heathrow Airport expansion ‘will boost British steel'
London's Heathrow Airport has unveiled a multibillion-pound expansion plan as it prepares to submit proposals in the summer for a third runway. On Wednesday, chief executive Thomas Woldbye announced upgrades to existing infrastructure using British steel, which will also secure thousands of jobs. The announcement came after President Donald Trump announced steel imports to the US will face 25 per cent tariffs. Mr Woldbye said last month's backing by the UK government for the construction of a third runway has given him the 'confidence to start and accelerate plans'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves had said the British government 'cannot duck the decision any longer' and the runway would 'unlock further growth'. Mr Woldbye said the expansion of Heathrow will boost the capacity of Terminals 2 and 5 by reconfiguring the layout of the airfield and will increase bus and coach connections. 'This privately-funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year,' he said. 'Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor's call to get Britain building. It will make more routes to the UK viable. Passenger demand continues to grow and 2024 was our busiest year. As we get busier we are more committed than ever to provide an excellent service to our passengers.' The government said the investment programme will secure thousands of British jobs by driving a significant increase in demand for UK-made steel. 'A third runway is critical for the country's future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to government this summer,' he said. 'Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the government's clear backing, I am today confirming multibillion-pound investment plans, 100 per cent privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability. This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country's crown.' He gave reassurances that the project can be carried out 'responsibly' due to the 'strict environmental safeguards' in place. 'This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it's as simple as that,' he said. 'Even though we're serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we're also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before. I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.' Mr Woldbye made the speech at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, which is the only facility making primary steel in the UK, as he signed the UK Steel Charter, which aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. The airport's Terminal 5 – which opened in 2008 – required 80,000 tonnes of steel, and detailed plans for the third runway are still being prepared. The Department for Business and Trade said it welcomed a 'major vote of confidence from Heathrow in its growth mission after backing a third runway'. 'This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only secures thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our home-grown steel sector and this government's industrial strategy,' Industry Minister Sarah Jones said. 'Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy and by signing the Steel Charter, Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.' Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said expanding airport capacity is a key part of accelerating economic growth. 'It is real show of support for domestic steel production and supply chains across the UK,' he said. 'As further infrastructure projects are given the green light, many more opportunities can be seized to boost British business and drive forward growth.' However, campaigners have described the plans as 'Orwellian'. Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, said: 'How bizarre for the government to suggest supporting a project that hasn't even submitted a planning application, and can't be approved until well beyond this parliament's lifetime, will kickstart economic growth. 'As for any construction or purchase of steel, that would be at least over half a decade away, and the project may yet prove uninvestable as several of Heathrow's airline customers have averred. 'There seems something Orwellian about this announcement, and this is only reaffirmed by its decision to cite a report commissioned by Heathrow itself, as evidence of the project's possible benefits – rather than the government's own Treasury's assessment which concluded that once the 'disbenefits' had been taken into account, the project's maximum economic benefit to the UK would be somewhere between £3.3 billion and minus £2.2 billion over 60 years.' On Tuesday, the airport said it had recorded the busiest January in its history with more than 6.3 million passengers travelling through its four terminals. It is up more than 5 per cent from six million in January 2024.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Heathrow to unveil expansion plan as Reeves attempts to kickstart growth
Heathrow airport is set to announce multibillion-pound investment to expand two of its terminals as it prepares its proposal for a new runway. In a speech on Wednesday, chief executive Thomas Woldbye will unveil funding for upgrades and expansion, including construction of the runway - something he will say is expected to bring 'tangible benefits' this year. The upgrades will also include boosting the capacity of Terminals 2 and 5, reconfiguring the layout of the airfield, and improving bus and coach connections. in an attempt to kickstart growth in the UK. The chancellor hopes the project - which the government aims to complete by 2035 - will boost growth in Britain, as the economy teeters on the brink of recession. Ms Reeves, who is fighting to save her job amid doubts over the direction of Britain's finances, used a major speech on growth in January to indicate her support for the extra landing strip - despite previous opposition from a number of key Cabinet members. Mr Woldbye will confirm plans to submit a third runway proposal to the government this summer, arguing that the privately-funded project is 'critical for the country's future economic success'. 'Heathrow is proud to answer the chancellor's call to get Britain building', he will say. 'This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country's crown.' It comes despite deep splits within the Labour Party over the plans, with London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan previously saying he would consider joining a legal challenge if the government backed a third runway. Energy secretary Ed Miliband has repeatedly expressed opposition to the plans in the past - once threatening to quit Gordon Brown's cabinet over the proposal. Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow But he has now said he will 'support what the government is doing' and abide by his collective responsibility as a government minister. He also said the plans could still be compatible with the government's net zero targets, despite concerns over significant increase in carbon emissions due to the added air traffic. But the Heathrow chief executive will insist the project can be carried out 'responsibly' because of 'strict environmental safeguards'. He will say: 'This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it's as simple as that. 'Even though we're serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we're also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before. 'I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.' The government said the investment programme is expected to secure thousands of British steel jobs across the country by driving a significant increase in demand for UK-made steel. The announcement - welcomed by the steel industry - comes just days after Donald Trump signed off on plans for 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, sparking fear in the industry. Mr Woldbye will make the speech at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, which is the only facility making primary steel in the UK. He will sign the UK Steel Charter, which aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. Terminal 5 – which opened in 2008 – required 80,000 tonnes of steel. Detailed plans for the third runway are still being prepared. The Department for Business and Trade said it welcomed a 'major vote of confidence from Heathrow in its growth mission after backing a third runway.' Industry minister Sarah Jones, who is expected to give a keynote speech at the launch event on Wednesday, will say the proposal 'not only secures thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government's Industrial Strategy'. Responding, Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Expanding airport capacity is a key part of accelerating economic growth – and today's announcement is great news for British business. 'It is real show of support for domestic steel production and supply chains across the UK.' UK Steel director general Gareth Stace added: 'Heathrow signing the UK Steel Charter is a major vote of confidence in UK steelmaking and British businesses full stop. 'With the airport embarking on its largest-ever private investment programme, this commitment unlocks significant opportunities for UK steel producers and supply chains to help deliver critical national infrastructure.' But campaigners described the planned announcement as 'Orwellian'. Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition group, said: 'How bizarre for the government to suggest supporting a project that hasn't even submitted a planning application, and can't be approved until well beyond this parliament's lifetime, will kickstart economic growth. 'As for any construction or purchase of steel, that would be at least over half a decade away, and the project may yet prove uninvestable as several of Heathrow's airline customers have averred. 'The costs of demolishing villages, diverting roads and rivers and tunnelling over the M25's busiest junction, to increase Heathrow's size by an area that is larger than Birmingham International Airport, promises to be inordinately expensive.'
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Heathrow to unveil multibillion-pound investment ahead of new runway plan
Heathrow airport is set to announce a multibillion-pound investment as it prepares its proposal for a new runway. In a speech on Wednesday, chief executive Thomas Woldbye will unveil funding for upgrades and expansion, such as boosting the capacity of Terminals 2 and 5, reconfiguring the layout of the airfield, and boosting bus and coach connections. It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves used a speech on growth last month to give her support for a third runway at Heathrow. Mr Woldbye is expected to say: 'This privately-funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. 'Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor's call to get Britain building.' The Government said the investment programme is expected to secure thousands of British steel jobs across the country by driving a significant increase in demand for UK-made steel. Mr Woldbye will add: 'A third runway is critical for the country's future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. 'Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government's clear backing, I am today confirming multibillion-pound investment plans, 100% privately-funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability. 'This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country's crown.' Mr Woldbye will insist the project can be carried out 'responsibly' because of 'strict environmental safeguards'. He will say: 'This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the Government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it's as simple as that. 'Even though we're serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we're also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before. 'I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.' Mr Woldbye will make the speech at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, which is the only facility making primary steel in the UK. He will sign the UK Steel Charter, which aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. Terminal 5 – which opened in 2008 – required 80,000 tonnes of steel. Detailed plans for the third runway are still being prepared. The Department for Business and Trade said it welcomed a 'major vote of confidence from Heathrow in its growth mission after backing a third runway.' Industry minister Sarah Jones, who is expected to give a keynote speech at the launch event on Wednesday, will say: 'This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only secures thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government's Industrial Strategy. 'Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.' Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Expanding airport capacity is a key part of accelerating economic growth – and today's announcement is great news for British business. 'It is real show of support for domestic steel production and supply chains across the UK. As further infrastructure projects are given the green light, many more opportunities can be seized to boost British business and drive forward growth.' UK Steel director general Gareth Stace said: 'Heathrow signing the UK Steel Charter is a major vote of confidence in UK steelmaking and British businesses full stop. 'With the airport embarking on its largest-ever private investment programme, this commitment unlocks significant opportunities for UK steel producers and supply chains to help deliver critical national infrastructure.' On Tuesday, the airport said it recorded the busiest January in its history. More than 6.3 million passengers travelled through its four terminals last month. That is up more than 5% from six million in January 2024. The airport said transatlantic travel was a 'key contributor' to the growth. More than 1.2 million passengers travelled between Heathrow and the US in January, up 8% compared with a year earlier.
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Heathrow to unveil multibillion-pound investment ahead of new runway plan
Heathrow airport is set to announce a multibillion-pound investment as it prepares its proposal for a new runway. In a speech on Wednesday, chief executive Thomas Woldbye will unveil funding for upgrades and expansion, such as boosting the capacity of Terminals 2 and 5, reconfiguring the layout of the airfield, and boosting bus and coach connections. It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves used a speech on growth last month to give her support for a third runway at Heathrow. This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country's crown Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow Mr Woldbye is expected to say: 'This privately-funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. 'Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor's call to get Britain building.' The Government said the investment programme is expected to secure thousands of British steel jobs across the country by driving a significant increase in demand for UK-made steel. Mr Woldbye will add: 'A third runway is critical for the country's future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. 'Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government's clear backing, I am today confirming multibillion-pound investment plans, 100% privately-funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability. 'This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country's crown.' Mr Woldbye will insist the project can be carried out 'responsibly' because of 'strict environmental safeguards'. He will say: 'This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the Government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it's as simple as that. 'Even though we're serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we're also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before. 'I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.' Mr Woldbye will make the speech at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, which is the only facility making primary steel in the UK. He will sign the UK Steel Charter, which aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. Terminal 5 – which opened in 2008 – required 80,000 tonnes of steel. Detailed plans for the third runway are still being prepared. The Department for Business and Trade said it welcomed a 'major vote of confidence from Heathrow in its growth mission after backing a third runway.' Industry minister Sarah Jones, who is expected to give a keynote speech at the launch event on Wednesday, will say: 'This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only secures thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government's Industrial Strategy. 'Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.' Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Expanding airport capacity is a key part of accelerating economic growth – and today's announcement is great news for British business. 'It is real show of support for domestic steel production and supply chains across the UK. As further infrastructure projects are given the green light, many more opportunities can be seized to boost British business and drive forward growth.' UK Steel director general Gareth Stace said: 'Heathrow signing the UK Steel Charter is a major vote of confidence in UK steelmaking and British businesses full stop. 'With the airport embarking on its largest-ever private investment programme, this commitment unlocks significant opportunities for UK steel producers and supply chains to help deliver critical national infrastructure.' On Tuesday, the airport said it recorded the busiest January in its history. More than 6.3 million passengers travelled through its four terminals last month. That is up more than 5% from six million in January 2024. The airport said transatlantic travel was a 'key contributor' to the growth. More than 1.2 million passengers travelled between Heathrow and the US in January, up 8% compared with a year earlier.
Euronews
30-01-2025
- Business
- Euronews
‘A reckless gamble with our future': Environmental groups react to UK's Heathrow third runway plans
London Heathrow (LHR), the world's fourth busiest airport, has already been capped to have no more than 480,000 flights annually despite more demand. The UK chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to see a completed expansion in the next 10 years, she said in a speech on Wednesday. The proposed third runway could increase flight capacity to around 720,000 each year - and national aviation policy changes are what will help put plans back on the table. But campaign groups state the expansions threaten all hope of meeting the country's climate targets - while putting local residents and nature at risk. There will be further legal and political challenges to the plans, environmentalists and locals alike warn. London Heathrow's third runway plans have been on and off the table for decades Lying west of central London, Heathrow has been the UK's major airport hub since it first opened in 1946. Discussions about a third parallel runway at London Heathrow first began in the 1980s, which was cemented into action in 2009 by the then Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. Ed Milliband, now the UK's energy and net zero secretary, has been one of the most vocal government figures against the expansion. As a cabinet minister in 2009, he warned he would resign over the government's airport expansion plans. Yet Milliband never had to act on his threat as - luckily for him - a year later, with a new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, the plans were scrapped. Former prime minister Boris Johnston similarly opposed the decision when he was Mayor of London, threatening to 'lie down in front of those bulldozers'. However, success was shortlived as, in 2018, the government released an Airports National Policy Statement that explicitly backed the third runway. Several campaign groups responded with a total of five judicial reviews, challenging the plans based on concerns over climate change, air pollution, noise pollution, and increased traffic. While the High Court initially dismissed these cases, there was a moment of brief success in 2020. The UK Court of Appeal ruled that the government had failed to consider the UK's commitments to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement, declaring it unlawful. Yet that ruling has not thwarted plans as chancellor Reeves thrust renewed commitments into the limelight this week. Why is the UK government pushing again for Heathrow's third runway? Backers of Heathrow, like chancellor Reeves, argue that its expansion would lead to growth for the UK economy. There have been several studies supporting this view in the past four years, the most recent of which was a report entitled 'Heathrow Expansion: Britain's Runway to Growth', which was published last week by UKDayOne, a nonpartisan initiative that looks to 'advance the UK policy landscape'. A 2015 report by the Airports Commission stated that not addressing the airport's capacity shortages could create costs of £30-45 billion (€35-54 billion) to the wider economy. Campaign group Greenpeace has highlighted that Heathrow is less than 3 per cent owned by British companies, meaning that any increased profits would likely go abroad. Greenpeace UK's policy director Dr Doug Parr stated, 'A third runway at Heathrow is unlikely to boost the UK economy but will certainly boost noise, air pollution and climate emissions.' Parr added that it would be airlines and airport bosses that would 'reap the lion's share of economic benefits' while UK taxpayers and holidaymakers foot the bill. Parr previously noted that air travel is favoured by 'a wealthy elite of frequent leisure flyers' - and that fewer business professionals opt to fly as part of a long-term decline in business travel. To counteract any challenges to climate goals, Reeves said that the expansion would still be compatible with the UK's targets to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels. She said that the potential and increased adoption of electric planes and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could support this, although SAF made up just 0.28 per cent of all the UK's supplied aviation fuel in 2023, according to industry publication SAF Investor. The chancellor also stated that more runways would reduce the time planes spend circling to land, but Greenpeace says there's little research confirming this claim. 'UK government policy is already far off track from meeting the country's legally binding climate targets, and approving these expansions will only lock in more emissions and make the task more difficult,' cautioned Kyle Lischak, the UK head of environmental law charity ClientEarth. A third runway 'flies in the face' of climate leadership Concerned local residents in the Heathrow Villages have been working together under the group Stop Heathrow Expansion since 2002, using the famous campaign 'No Third Runway Action Group' (NoTRAG). And they are not alone, as climate campaign groups continue to challenge plans. "A decision to green-light another runway at Heathrow would be hugely irresponsible in the midst of a climate emergency,' said Jenny Bates, transport campaigner at the environmental group Friends of the Earth. 'It would also fly in the face of the Prime Minister's promise to show international leadership on climate change.' Bates highlighted that while there aren't yet current applications for Heathrow's third runway, it is a 'worrying signal' of expansion plans waiting for the green light, such as those at London's Gatwick and Luton airports. "Rachel Reeves' 'growth trumps all' approach is the kind of dangerously short-sighted thinking that has helped cause the climate crisis and left the UK one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world', added Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth. "Giving the go-ahead to airport expansion by depending on new, unreliable technologies, like ' sustainable aviation fuels ' would be a reckless gamble with our future,' Downes added. It's not just local residents and campaigners who are concerned about Heathrow's expansion The UK government also still has its internal critics - including Milliband - and sceptics such as the transport committee chair Ruth Cadbury, who addressed the carbon elephant in the room, saying that the government must not undermine or 'lose sight' of the UK's Net Zero commitments. Some travel industry associations and figures also oppose the expansion plans. 'Expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway would help to lock in the UK's dependency on air travel for another generation,' warned Cat Jones, founder and CEO of Byway, a travel company that developed the first 100% flight-free dynamic holiday planning technology. Jones suggested instead that 'further investment in high-speed international rail capacity' had more potential for economic growth while also helping to 'shift millions of passengers from planes to low-carbon trains'. The Aviation Environment Federation has spoken out about its 'disappointment' with the chancellor's speech, as has the British Regional Transport Association, which calls the move 'unsustainable'. Similarly, the general public has taken to X (formerly Twitter), who are dubious about the growth it will create for the country. They have also been highlighting concerns about how it contradicts Net Zero policy and that the chancellor is overelying on unproven solutions, such as SAF. However, some reactions suggest that these expansion plans could all blow over - and there's some light relief among the concern. As one X user put it: 'This is so British lol. trump wants to buy Greenland, Russia invades Ukraine, china goes all out fossil fuels. We want to build a runway in 10 years, it'll go massively over budget and might not happen anyway due to some ducks.'
