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Chancellor backs third runway at Heathrow

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The chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at Heathrow Airport, a move that could create over 100,000 jobs and potentially boost GDP by 0.43 per cent by 2050.

The government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer
The government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer - AdobeStock

Delivering a speech at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire yesterday (January 29, 2025), Reeves also outlined plans for growth that include imminent decisions on expansion at London Gatwick and Luton airports, support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and a £63m investment into the Advanced Fuels Fund for development of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). 

Furthermore, Reeves announced a new partnership between logistics company Prologis and East Midlands Airport to build a new advanced manufacturing park within the East Midlands Freeport zone 'unlocking  £1bn of investment and 2,000 jobs at the site'. 

In her speech, Reeves said: “I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our Plan for Change.

“And now the case is stronger than ever because our reforms to the economy - like speeding up our planning system, and our strengthened plans to modernise UK airspace - mean the delivery of this project is set up for success.

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Third runway at Heathrow