Heathrow’s third runway: Sadiq Khan opposed to government approval

By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter

Sir Sadiq Khan has warned that a third runway at Heathrow could undermine his efforts to clean up London’s air.

Speaking just minutes after Rachel Reeves had given her speech about boosting the UK’s economy, the Labour mayor also cast doubt on the Chancellor’s claim that the project would create 100,000 jobs, saying that would depend on the airport’s exact proposal.

He said: “Let me be quite clear and unambiguous – I remain opposed to a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

“We’ve managed to improve the air in London because of our policies. One of the most polluted parts of our city when it comes to air pollution is around Heathrow, and this will make that worse, not better.”

A Heathrow spokesman said: “Heathrow is the best-connected airport in the world. But growing the economy means adding capacity at the UK’s hub airport which is full.”

Ms Reeves said: “I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected.

“So I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.”

Pictured top: London mayor Sadiq Khan (Picture: LDRS/Noah Vickers)