Green Party MP Siân Berry asked an Urgent Question on potential airport expansion during yesterday’s session in the House of Commons.
On Sunday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted that the government would support a third runway at Heathrow, saying “sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand”.
Responding, Mike Kane, the transport minister, reiterates that talk around such expansion is “all speculative”.
“I cannot comment,” he says.
“But we do have in this country a world class aviation sector in the UK, and the government is committed to securing the long-term future of the aviation sector in this country and recognises the benefits of connectivity it creates between the UK and the rest of the world.”
Mr Kane says the government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals would need to prove that they “contribute to economic growth” and are compatible with environmental standards and the UK’s net zero targets.
“There is currently no live consent order application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.”
He adds that advice is currently being considered on the expansion of Luton and Gatwick airports, but he “cannot comment on them further today”.
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