Heathrow Airport expansion

[Last updated 14/03/25]

As many constituents know, energy and climate policy is a subject very close to my heart, and part of my motivation for becoming an MP. Indeed, launching the first national citizens’ assembly on Net Zero is one of my proudest achievements from my early Parliamentary career.
 
Now, as deputy to the Chancellor, I am also committed to delivering on our Government’s promise to grow the economy. Heathrow Airport is currently running at nearly full capacity, which is holding back growth. Its expansion could inject billions into our economy, create over 100,000 extra jobs, and deliver major benefits for passengers. That’s why the Government is backing proposals for a third runway.
 
Whilst, at first glance, it might seem like this would conflict with my personal environmental values, I firmly believe that we can achieve growth through our Net Zero plans. This can be a win-win for the economy and the environment.
 
For example, the Government supporting investment in Heathrow and in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sector will stimulate investment in Net Zero technologies and industry in the UK.
 
Of course, we have been clear that airport expansion will need to be value for money, and delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations. The Government’s clear expectation is that any surface transport costs associated with the project will be privately financed and should be sustainable and low carbon.
 
Furthermore, our Government is already taking further steps in our transition to greener, cleaner aviation. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate became law earlier this year, which is a key policy to decarbonise aviation fuel by encouraging the supply of SAF. This is important as SAF reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to fossil jet fuel by 70%.
 
SAF is the future of greener air travel, so I was pleased to announce to Parliament at the end of January that we have also committed an additional £63 million for the Advanced Fuels Fund over the next year, supporting SAF producers across the UK.
 
Finally, it is also important to look at this issue within the wider context of the rapid action that this Government has taken to make Britain a clean energy superpower to demonstrate our firm commitment to our 2030 climate targets. We have already lifted the ban on onshore wind, taken planning decisions on three solar farms (within days of taking office), and introduced legislation to build Great British Energy to invest in clean power projects in regions across the UK.
 
In addition, the Net Zero transition can only happen with the democratic consent of voters. It is therefore essential that changes are made in a way that maintain that democratic support and doesn’t risk ceding it to the populist right.