Backing Heathrow expansion suggests Labour is serious about boosting growth
It is the surest sign yet that the government is up for the fight
Few THINGS symbolise Britain’s lackadaisical attitude towards economic growth better than the collection of fields, ditches and semi-detached homes just north of Heathrow Airport. Building over them to give London’s main aviation hub a third runway first became government policy in 2003. After that, the project was approved, cancelled, reapproved and then put on hold again. The issue has divided Britain’s main parties, animated a generation of environmentalists and radicalised the NIMBYs of west London.
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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Take-off”
Britain February 1st 2025
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