Transport Secretary backs Heathrow third runway for economic growth

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 13:33 · Archive

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said a third runway at Heathrow could create jobs and investment across the UK, though the Government has not yet made a final decision.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told business leaders at the AirportsUK annual conference that a third runway at Heathrow could drive economic growth across the country. She said the runway 'has the potential to create new opportunities, jobs, investment and growth in every corner of this country', insisting that 'Britain loses by standing still'.

Alexander emphasised that the Government still needed to make a final decision on the expansion plans following a consultation. She also sought to address concerns about the environmental impact of airport expansion, telling the conference: 'You'll never hear me pedalling false trade-offs' such as suggesting that 'going for growth means ditching decarbonisation'.

The speech came after Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye criticised the uncertainty surrounding the plans, saying he hoped the Prime Minister would back the third runway scheme. Woldbye warned that investment could be lost overseas without a firm government commitment to construction. Prime Minister Amer Burnham has not confirmed his support for the project, saying it remains subject to consultation and the planning process, though his predecessors Sir Keir Starmer and then-chancellor Rachel Reeves had both backed it.

How it is being reported

• Labour at war over Heathrow's £33billion third runway as Transport Secretary warns 'Britain loses by standing still' - as Burnham is accused of dithering over backingHeidi Alexander told the AirportsUK annual conference that the project 'has the potential to create new opportunities, jobs, investment and growth in every corner of this country'.Daily Mail · 14 Oct, 14:35
• Heidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKHeidi Alexander told business leaders at the AirportsUK conference that the Government still needed to make a final decision on the runway plans.Independent Business · 14 Oct, 13:38
• Heidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKHeidi Alexander told business leaders at the AirportsUK conference that the Government still needed to make a final decision on the runway plans.Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 13:38
• Heidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKHeidi Alexander told business leaders at the AirportsUK conference that the Government still needed to make a final decision on the runway plans.Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 12:55
• Heidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKHeidi Alexander told business leaders at the AirportsUK conference that the Government still needed to make a final decision on the runway plans.Independent Business · 14 Oct, 12:55

In this story: Heidi Alexander · Thomas Woldbye · Amer Burnham · Heathrow · UK

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