Rachel Reeves backs extra runway for Heathrow among other growth projects

A lower Thames crossing and a new 'silicon valley' for the Oxford-Cambridge arc

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 29th Jan 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plan to 'kickstart economic growth' in the UK announcing several major infrastructure plans, including backing a third runway at Heathrow.

The Chancellor told an audience in Oxfordshire: “Growth isn’t simply about lines on a graph, it is about the pounds in people’s pockets, the vibrancy of our high streets and the thriving businesses that create wealth, jobs and new opportunities for us, for our children, and grandchildren.

“We will have succeeded in our mission when working people are better-off.”

Chancellor backs extra runway at Heathrow

The Government supports the building of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, Rachel Reeves said.

The Chancellor 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.

Ms Reeves had earlier said a third runway at the hub airport was “badly needed”, that the previous government had taken no action on it and claimed no full-length runway has been built in Britain since the 1940s.

What other projects has the Chancellor backed?

Rachel Reeves has said the Government will work with regional leaders to “recreate South Yorkshire airport city” after Doncaster Sheffield airport closed.

The Chancellor also said the Government is backing plans for the redevelopment of Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

The Chancellor said the Government would “work with the private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs”.

She added: “This includes the Lower Thames Crossing, which will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion as goods destined to export come from the North and the Midlands, and across the country, to markets overseas.

Rachel Reeves also talked about making the Oxford-Cambridgeshire arc Europe's 'Silicon Valley' with projects like East-West Rail, new roads and housing developments.

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