Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch: Keir Starmer grilled at PMQs as Rachel Reeves backs Heathrow third runway

Holly Patrick
Wednesday 29 January 2025 13:22 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch as Sir Keir Starmer faced MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions after Rachel Reeves backed a third Heathrow runway on Wednesday, 29 January.

The prime minister was grilled by Kemi Badenoch on the chancellor’s major speech on growth, in which she outlined a series of projects the government was backing.

Speaking in Oxfordshire, Ms Reeves confirmed government support for the expansion of UK’s busiest airport despite environmental concerns, including from inside her own Cabinet.

She said: “I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be be brought forward by the summer.

Responding to Rachel Reeves’ backing, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan quickly gave his response on social media.

He said: “I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow airport because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets.”

Ms Reeves also announced her backing for the redevelopment of Old Trafford in Manchester, a rail link between Oxford and Cambridge and the building of the Lower Thames Crossing.

A planning and infrastructure bill will loosen environment requirements for developers and address delays caused by judicial review challenges, Ms Reeves said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in