The government is committed to growth, as it is the only way to increase the take-home pay of working people, improve public services, and create the green, high-tech economy Britain deserves. On 29 January 2025, the Chancellor announced that the Government “supports and is inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, to be brought forward by this summer.” This was followed by a proposal to allow Gatwick to use its Northern Runway, which is currently only used as a taxiway and for emergency use.
I know these announcements have caused an array of mixed views in the constituency, and I appreciate the constituents who have contacted me to support and oppose the plans.
The government is committed to a world-leading agenda on climate and nature action, making rapid progress and overturning the previous Government’s legacy. As the Climate Change Committee confirmed last July, the country is off track to meet our climate goals.
Many people who contacted me were concerned about how we could expand the airports and meet these goals. Therefore, I am pleased that the government has made it clear that any airport expansion proposals will need to demonstrate they can be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict air quality standards.
Progress is already being made in transitioning to greener aviation with the introduction of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate, which is now in force. To support this, the Government will invest £63 million over the next year in the advanced fuels fund, supporting SAF producers across the UK. Ministers have clarified that the government’s SAF commitments will help thousands of jobs while reducing transport emissions.
In my capacity as your MP, I will meet with the leaders of Heathrow Airport to reiterate that any expansion needs to meet these climate commitments and that flights avoid unsociable hours across my constituency.
Thank you again to those who have contacted me about these important issues.
