Reeves says growth eclipses net zero as Heathrow runway decision looms
Economic growth is more important to the UK government than net zero, Rachel Reeves has said, dropping a heavy hint that she intends to shrug off climate concerns and reaffirm her backing for a third runway at Heathrow. The chancellor is expected to give her firm support to the expansion of Britain’s busiest airport – as well as bringing a second runway at Gatwick into full-time use and increasing the capacity of Luton – in a speech later this month. The climate secretary, Ed Miliband, is understood to be opposed to Heathrow expansion, and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has gone public with his concerns about the plan. But speaking to reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Reeves appeared to dismiss such objections, repeatedly emphasising that growth, not net zero, was the government’s “No 1 mission”. Asked about the Heathrow decision, which is expected as soon as next week, and the potential clash with the government’s climate commitments, the chancellor said: “Growth is the No 1 mission of this government, because growth underpins everything else, whether that is improving our schools and our hospitals, or indeed being able to get to net zero.” Pressed on what she would do if forced to choose between net zero and economic growth, Reeves said: “Well, if it’s the No 1 mission, it’s obviously the most important thing.” With gross domestic product data indicating that the economy barely grew in the latter part of 2024, the government has been stressing its pro-business credentials, believing private sector investment is the key to kickstarting growth. Asked about how the government would meet its climate goals if it allowed air travel to significantly increase, Reeves said: “We have a commitment in statute passed by the previous government to get net zero by 2050. There are lots of things that contribute to carbon emissions."
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