Sadiq Khan criticises Heathrow’s third runway, citing noise, air pollution, and climate concerns, as tensions rise with Labour’s pro-growth faction

Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, has made his position clear: he will do whatever it takes to block the controversial third runway at Heathrow Airport, which he argues would exacerbate noise pollution, air quality issues, and undermine the UK’s climate goals.

In an interview on LBC’s Tonight with Andrew Marr, Khan stated that Heathrow’s proposed expansion, which has been a contentious issue for over two decades, would have a detrimental impact on local communities and hinder the country’s progress toward meeting its climate commitments. He expressed concerns over the thousands of residents living near Heathrow, who already suffer from noise pollution, and the airport’s proximity to one of Europe’s largest conurbations.

Khan also highlighted that London’s air quality, particularly near the airport, remains one of the worst in the city, and expanding the airport’s capacity by 300,000 additional flights would only worsen the situation. Furthermore, he raised doubts about whether the UK could meet its climate change targets if the third runway were approved.

Despite his opposition, the Labour mayor reiterated that he supported economic growth and infrastructure development in the capital but firmly believed that Heathrow’s expansion was not the right solution. Khan cited previous frustrations with the government’s slow progress on building essential infrastructure like homes and transportation links, but argued that Heathrow’s expansion would only exacerbate long-term issues, rather than providing the expected economic benefits in the immediate future.

Khan’s statement comes amid a growing rift within the Labour Party on the issue. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed strong support for the third runway, arguing that it’s essential for boosting the UK economy and addressing the airport’s capacity constraints. However, Khan’s opposition reveals the divide between economic growth proponents and environmental advocates within the party.

Reeves, in a separate interview, insisted that economic growth and sustainable aviation are not mutually exclusive, claiming that the expansion is crucial for increasing the UK’s global competitiveness. She argued that the constraints on Heathrow’s growth have hindered the UK’s ability to attract investment and international visitors, making the third runway a necessary step.

However, Khan was quick to point out that it is ultimately Heathrow’s responsibility to bring forward plans for the expansion, not the government’s. He detailed the challenges posed by previous proposals, which included building over the busy M25 motorway, constructing tunnels, and relocating entire villages. He added that any expansion would require significant investment in the surrounding infrastructure, including transport networks and housing.

As the debate over the third runway continues, Khan remains resolute in his stance, vowing to use every legal and political tool at his disposal to prevent the expansion. His position is part of a wider environmental push in London, where the mayor has been outspoken on the need for green policies and sustainable growth.

The future of Heathrow’s third runway now hangs in the balance, as both sides prepare for a protracted battle that could define the UK’s approach to growth and sustainability in the years ahead.

THE GUARDIAN

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s backing of a third runway at Heathrow Airport raises concerns over its environmental impact. The Airports Commission (AC) in 2017 estimated that it would increase CO2 emissions by 4.4 million tonnes annually, further exacerbating climate change. Despite the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), progress is slow, and the government’s goal of a 10% SAF adoption by 2030 is considered ambitious. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) warns that airport expansions should not proceed without a comprehensive system to manage aviation emissions.

Noise pollution will also intensify, affecting up to 28,000 more people with noise levels above 70 decibels. Heathrow’s current air pollution issues may worsen with an increase in flights, though some mitigation measures, such as electrical power for aircraft at stands, are proposed. Critics, including the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF), argue that the expansion undermines the UK’s climate targets.

BBC

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ growth strategy, announced in her recent speech, includes backing for Heathrow’s third runway, which aims to enhance the UK’s global connectivity. Additionally, Reeves is focusing on creating “Britain’s Silicon Valley” between Oxford and Cambridge to foster innovation. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s plan to expand Old Trafford into a 100,000-seat mega-stadium has received the green light.

However, the bold plans come with concerns over public spending cuts, including potential reductions in sickness benefits. While Reeves is focused on economic growth, her proposals face pushback from businesses seeking to ease new workers’ rights laws. The Chancellor’s strategy signals a tough balancing act between stimulating growth and managing fiscal responsibility, with tax hikes and spending cuts likely in the near future.