Sadiq Khan can’t stop the government’s planned Heathrow expansion from going ahead, Rachel Reeves has said.
The London mayor has been a vocal opponent of the plan to build a third runway at the London airport.
But speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Chancellor said: “I've got huge respect for Sadiq, but on this, I disagree with him, and we as a government have to make decisions in the national interest”.
Asked if he can stop the expansion from happening, she said: “No. There can be judicial reviews, but we are confident that this airport expansion will happen, that we will get the third runway built.
Asked for a timeline on the plans, which she backed on Wednesday, the Chancellor told BBC Breakfast: “We want to see spades in the ground in this Parliament.”
Pressed when flights would take off from the airport, the Chancellor added: “I think we can get that done in a decade.”
Ms Reeves support for Heathrow will see her face down Labour critics and environmental campaigners, and figures from the aviation industry have voiced scepticism about the plans.
Key points
- Sadiq Khan can’t stop Heathrow expansion, Reeves says
- Heathrow’s third runway could be built and in use by 2035, Chancellor suggests
- Streeting takes NHS mandate 'back to basics' in new war on overspend
- Labour Party pay tribute to John Prescott
Analysis | Streeting's NHS mandate lays bare the limits of government ambition for the health service
11:01
,
Millie Cooke
Wes Streeting’s 2025 NHS mandate has revealed a stark truth about the government’s ambition for the NHS.
While the health secretary has promised to deliver on the peoples’ priorities, his admission that the health service will go "back to basics" suggests that this may be all they’re delivering on.
Streeting’s warning that the “NHS must learn to live within its means” is hardly an inspiring message for one of Britain’s national treasures – and campaign groups have already pointed out key omissions from today’s mandate, such as a lack of national targets or deadlines for the NHS to implement sexual misconduct policy.
With an increasingly difficult fiscal situation – and an electoral landscape that makes improving satisfaction with the NHS absolutely pivotal to Labour’s success – it seems Streeting is gambling on getting the basics right, rather than making truly ambitious reforms for the health service.
Starmer sends condolences to those affected by plane crash in Washington DC
10:58
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to emergency services responding to the plane crash in Washington DC.
More than 60 people are feared dead after an Army helicopter crashed into a commercial jet near Washington D.C on Wednesday night.
Footage of the crash shows the two aircraft collide in midair before exploding a huge fireball.
In a post on X, the prime minister said: “I am deeply shocked by the tragic scenes coming out of Washington D.C. My thoughts are with all those on board and their families desperately waiting for news.
“I pay tribute to the emergency services for their dedicated work in such challenging conditions and I send the UK’s condolences to the United States at this time.”
Labour’s border bill to 'block migrants from claiming slavery protections’
10:49
,
Jabed Ahmed
Streeting takes NHS mandate 'back to basics' in new war on overspend
10:36
,
Millie Cooke
“The culture of routine overspending without consequences is over”, Wes Streeting has warned, as he unveiled a new, trimmed-down mandate for the NHS.
The health secretary, who said he will bring the health service “back to basics”, warned that the “NHS must learn to live within its means”.
His new targets include cutting waiting list times, improving access to GPs and dentists and improving urgent and emergency care.
In a foreword to the 2025 mandate, Mr Streeting said the approach will put “the NHS on the road to recovery”.
“The last Labour government delivered the shortest waiting times and the highest patient satisfaction on record. It won’t be easy, but together we’ll do it again”, he said.
“We recognise that this will mean tough decisions need to be made and local systems should feel empowered to make them”, Mr Streeting warned. "The culture of routine overspending without consequences is over."
Labour Party pay tribute to John Prescott
10:29
,
Jabed Ahmed
The Labour Party have said “Today we say goodbye to a giant of the Labour movement” ahead of Lord John Prescott’s funeral later today.
Lord Prescott, who served under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on 20 November last year, aged 86.
In a post on X, the Labour today paid tribute to him with a video of his most notable moments in the party.
Today we say goodbye to a giant of the Labour movement.
— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) January 30, 2025
Thank you, John. pic.twitter.com/XCnaEgjDvq
Watch | Rachel Reeves grilled on past opposition to airport expansion over environmental concerns
10:19
,
Jabed Ahmed
Streeting says 'NHS must learn to live within its means'
10:10
,
Jabed Ahmed
Wes Streeting has delivered a trimmed-down mandate for the health service today, bringing the NHS “back to basics”.
The health secretary said: "With so many pressures on people’s pockets and the public purse, the NHS must learn to live within its means. We recognise that this will mean tough decisions need to be made and local systems should feel empowered to make them.”
He added: "The culture of routine overspending without consequences is over."
Watch | Rachel Reeves warns UK 'losing market share' without Heathrow expansion
09:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
Wes Streeting to bring NHS 'back to basics' in new trimmed down mandate
09:58
,
Millie Cooke
Wes Streeting is expected to deliver a trimmed-down mandate for the health service today, bringing the NHS “back to basics”. But it has sparked concerns key areas including sexual misconduct rules will be sidelined.
The health secretary’s NHS targets are expected to include reducing emergency department delays, cutting wait list times, improving access to GPs and dentists, and improving cancer care targets and mental health services.
He is also expected to give the health service ambitious efficiency targets, and order the NHS to “live within its means” so taxpayers get value for money.
Mr Streeting told The Telegraph: “We are telling the NHS to go back to basics and focus on the fundamentals. It needs to deliver on patients’ priorities – shorter waiting times, being able to get a GP appointment and ambulances that arrive on time.”
Here are the written ministerial statements due to be made in the Commons today
09:49
,
Jabed Ahmed
– Secretary of State for Business and Trade: Horizon Shortfall Scheme appeals process.
– Minister for the Cabinet Office: The Humanitarian Medal.
– Secretary of State for Education: Strengthening oversight of partnership delivery in higher education.
– Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero: The UK’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Information to facilitate Clarity, Transparency and Understanding (ICTU).
– Secretary of State for Health and Social Care: The government’s 2025 mandate to NHS England and NHS Operational Planning Guidance 2025-26.
– Secretary of State for the Home Department: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
– Secretary of State for the Home Department: Police Funding Settlement 2025-26.
– Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government: Integrated Settlements.
– Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Levy 2024-25.
Tories 'happy in principle' about Heathrow expansion, Stride says
09:29
,
Jabed Ahmed
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has said the Tories are "happy enough in principle" to see Labour back the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Mr Stride told Sky News: "You're looking at something with Heathrow that probably won't come to fruition if it does at all, until the 2040s or maybe even the 2050s.
"The more immediate challenge we've got is this year, next year, the year after is what the government has done to the economy as a consequence of the last budget.
"Taxing businesses, taxing jobs, killing growth stone-dead, unemployment rising; these are all challenges that Rachel Reeves really needs to address right now.
"She's got the opportunity at the end of March with the spring statement, to come to the House of Commons and explain to us how she's going to address that, albeit fine, let's talk about the longer term.
"But people are worrying about the next few years ahead, I think."
Shadow Chancellor asked if Tories would reverse national insurance hike
09:13
,
Jabed Ahmed
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said: “So we've been very clear that as a party, we believe in lower taxes, not higher taxes.
“We've been very clear that a terrible mistake that this government has made, having said they wouldn't do it before the election, is to increase taxes substantially on businesses, particularly on employment. And we're seeing that coming through now in terms of effectively zero growth, higher unemployment, inflation higher than it would otherwise have been, with interest rates higher for longer has a consequence.
“We are now, over the next months and years, going to be putting together, through that deep thinking around this issue of tax and many other issues, the right kind of policy platform to put forward to the British people.”
Analysis | What the wrangling over Peter Mandelson says about Trump and Starmer
09:09
,
Jabed Ahmed
Trump and Starmer have resolved their differences on Lord Mandelson but at what cost to the prime minister? our Political Editor David Maddox reports
Chancellor says she would back plans for Leeds Bradford airport expansion
08:39
,
Jabed Ahmed
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would back the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport if the owners produced plans.
The Chancellor, who represents Leeds West and Pudsey, had previously opposed a new terminal at the site.
But she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “If Leeds Bradford came back with plans to expand, I would support those, because I think that things have changed significantly in the last few years, and the Cabinet supports these plans.
“We’ve already, as a Government, signed off expansion at Stansted and City Airport, because we know that we need the economic growth, and we know that sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand.”
Full report | Heathrow expansion can be done in a decade, Reeves says
08:36
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sadiq Khan can’t stop Heathrow expansion, Reeves says
08:21
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sadiq Khan can’t stop the government’s planned Heathrow expansion from going ahead, Rachel Reeves has said.
The London mayor has been a vocal opponent of the plan to build a third runway at the London airport.
But speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the chancellor said: “I've got huge respect for Sadiq, but on this, I disagree with him, and we as a government have to make decisions in the national interest”.
Asked if he can stop the expansion from happening, she said: “No. There can be judicial reviews, but we are confident that this airport expansion will happen, that we will get the third runway built.
“And indeed, alongside the announcements yesterday, we are reforming the planning system to reduce the number of judicial reviews”.
Reeves challenged on employment figures
08:21
,
Jabed Ahmed
Challenged on payroll statistics that showed employment fell by 47,000 last month, Ms Reeves said business groups backed her plans for growth. "They said the announcements that I made were smart announcements. They backed these plans to go further and faster on delivering economic growth," she said.
After it was put to her that major supermarket chains were collectively shedding thousands of jobs, MS Reeves said others were hiring.
"There will be many jobs created an estimate of 100,000 jobs from a third runway at Heathrow, 6000 jobs through the announcement I made around an investment zone in Wrexham and Flintshire. Yesterday, the IMF have revised up the growth forecast for the UK for this year"
Watch | Under pressure Rachel Reeves issues defiant response when quizzed on Keir Starmer relationship
08:19
,
Jabed Ahmed
Government wants the UK to be a 'well connected, global country', Reeves says
08:16
,
Jabed Ahmed
Speaking to LBC, the chancellor said: “This is a nationally significant project that can increase our growth as a country can help Great British businesses export all around the world. It can help entrepreneurs wanting to access new markets.
“Heathrow is our only hub airport in the UK. 60% of freight goes from Heathrow. 70% of long haul flights go to Heathrow. But we are missing out to airports in Amsterdam and in Frankfurt, where they have embraced expansion.
“We haven't built a new runway in Britain since the 1940s we can't carry on like this. If we want to be a well connected, global country, then we need to make these investments, and that is what this government are going to do.”
Reeves: 'I will never play fast and loose with the public finances'
08:14
,
Jabed Ahmed
Speaking to LBC, the Chancellor said: “Well, I recognise that there were difficult decisions in the budget.
“Last year, I inherited a 22 billion pound black hole in the public finances. And I've always been clear, and I've said it so many times, that I will never play fast and loose with the public finances.
“I have to return that stability to the economy, and that did mean difficult decisions on spending, welfare and tax.”
Reeves signals Miliband supports third Heathrow runway
08:09
,
Jabed Ahmed
There have been previous reports Energy Secretary Ed Miliband would resign over the third Heathrow runway as he has opposed the proposal for years.
Asked whether Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was fully behind the plans, Ms Reeves replied: “Yes, we are all united as a Cabinet backing these plans.
“We know that we have to grow our economy, we can’t keep saying no to big infrastructure projects.”
Sir Keir Starmer hails ‘legendary’ John Prescott ahead of funeral
08:03
,
Jabed Ahmed
Discord grows between Chancellor and London Mayor over runway
07:51
,
Jabed Ahmed
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said yesterday he is against the decision to build a third Heathrow runway, pointing to impacts on the environment and those who live nearby.
Asked about this, Ms Reeves told Sky News: "I've got huge respect for Sadiq, but on this issue, I believe, I know that sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand-in-hand.
"There's been huge changes in how we fly in recent years; Engines becoming more efficient to reduce carbon emissions, but also this government introduced at the beginning of this year, a mandate for sustainable aviation fuel.
"That can cut carbon emissions from flying by 70%."
Heathrow’s third runway could be built and in use by 2035, Reeves suggests
07:49
,
Jabed Ahmed
Heathrow’s third runway could be built and in use by 2035, Rachel Reeves has signalled.
Asked for a timeline on the plans, which she backed on Wednesday, the Chancellor told BBC Breakfast: “We want to see spades in the ground in this Parliament.
“We have asked Heathrow to come forward with plans by this summer, and then we want to grant that development consent order by the end of this Parliament, so we can get the diggers in the ground to get this project up and running.”
Ms Reeves said reforming the planning system would meanwhile “make it easier to build big infrastructure projects, like a third runway at Heathrow”.
Pressed when flights would take off from the airport, the Chancellor added: “I think we can get that done in a decade.”
Asked if this meant planes would be using the new runway by 2035, Ms Reeves responded: “That is what we want to achieve and that is what Heathrow wants to achieve.”
Chancellor wants third runway start construction during this parliament
07:47
,
Jabed Ahmed
Rachel Reeves has said she wants to see "shovels in the ground" at Heathrow Airport in the next five years.
The Chancellor told Sky News: "I think that everyone can see the determination that I have, that this government has to go further and faster to deliver that growth, to show Britain can get things done, and can build big infrastructure projects at once again.
"And that's why we're reforming the planning system to make it easier to get these sorts of projects, like the third runway at Heathrow built."
Coming up in parliament today:
07:39
,
Jabed Ahmed
House of Commons:
- 0930 Business and trade questions
- 1030 Business questions to Commons Leader Lucy Powell
- 1130 Backbench business debates on (i) Proportional representation for general elections (ii) Future of local Post Office services
- An adjournment debate on repairs to Doncaster Royal Infirmary
House of Lords:
- 1100 Bishop of Peterborough and Baroness Levitt
- 1110 Oral questions
- 1150 A debate on tax implications of corporations shifting profits to low and no-tax jurisdictions
- A debate on new youth mobility scheme with European countries
Chancellor questioned on her tax returns
07:24
,
Jabed Ahmed
Rachel Reeves said she was not aware previous chancellors had published their tax returns when she ruled out doing so.
The Chancellor, who has now agreed to release details of her taxes, was asked about her initial claim she would not.
She told Times Radio: “I wasn’t aware that previous chancellors had released their tax return.
“I’m very happy to release my tax return in accordance with what’s happened in the recent past, and I’ll be doing that alongside the Prime Minister in due course.”
Asked if Tory leader Kemi Badenoch should follow suit, the Chancellor said: “That’s the matter for Kemi Badenoch, but the Prime Minister and I will be releasing ours.”
Analysis: Trump has given Starmer salutary lesson in the art of the deal
06:55
,
Jane Dalton
Keir Starmer hails John Prescott's 'fighting spirit' ahead of funeral service
06:45
,
Angus Thompson
Sir Keir Starmer has hailed John Prescott’s “fighting spirit” ahead of the former deputy prime minister’s funeral service in Hull.
Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on November 20 last year aged 86 in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimer’s.
More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues have been invited to the service at Hull Minster.
Senior figures from the past and current Labour governments are expected to attend.
Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service will include singing from the Choral-Hull children’s choir, made up from pupils across the city.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The Prime Minister said Lord Prescott will be remembered as a “man who stood up for working people” and “fought for what he believed in”.
Sir Keir said: “John Prescott’s funeral is a moment to reflect on his legacy alongside those that loved him most.
“Since his death, I have been moved to hear countless people relate their stories of John – tales of characteristic generosity, humour and charisma.”
The history behind Heathrow’s third runway debate
06:36
,
Albert Toth
Bosses at Heathrow Airport first sought approval for a third runway in 2003, sparking backlash after previously saying they wouldn’t. In December of that year, then transport secretary Alistair Darling expressed concerns about air pollution, but said he expected a third runway to be built within the next 12 years.
It was not until 2009 that the plan gained steam again when then prime minister Gordon Brown approved the plan. He was met by fierce opposition from fellow Labour cabinet members Hilary Benn and Ed Miliband.
Following his election victory in 2010, David Cameron formally cancelled the plans, which he had called ‘pig-headed’. But in 2012, he and his chancellor George Osbourne become open to the idea, saying they would no longer block airport bosses from submitting proposals.
Six years later, under prime minister Theresa May in 2018, a Commons vote backed the Heathrow expansion by 415 votes to 119 – a majority of 296. However, the idea was shut down in February 2020 when the Court of Appeal blocked the Conservative plans because ministers had failed to take into account the UK’s commitments under the 2015 Paris climate accord.
This ruling was overturned later in the year by the Supreme Court, permitting Heathrow bosses to submit applications once again. However, the impact of Covid-19 travel restrictions on the industry put all plans on hold.
Now in 2025, the idea has been backed by Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government, setting the stage for construction on a third runway to begin.
Airports and bats and newts plans anger commenters
05:30
,
Jane Dalton
Ms Reeves’s plan for airport expansion and dismissal of the significance of bats and newts angered many wildlife experts and social media users.
Joan Edwards, director of policy at the Wildlife Trusts said: “Reeves seems unaware of the vital role nature plays in the UK, despite her goal to become ‘Britain’s first green chancellor’”.
Zack Polanski, Green Party deputy leader, said: “Disastrous decision on Heathrow. They're essentially saying “fly, baby, fly” to the developers who don’t give a fig about the climate emergency. The world is literally on fire and the arsonists are giving speeches.”
Countryside charity CPRE said: “ We support affordable homes near transport hubs, but expanding airports makes a mockery of net zero & threatens vital green spaces.”
Five key announcements in Reeves's growth plan
04:00
,
Jane Dalton
Numbers who think Brexit was right decision hits new low
02:46
,
Jane Dalton
London mayor vows to 'use any tool' to block third runway
00:59
,
Jane Dalton
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan says he will “use any tool in the toolkit to stop a third runway happening” at Heathrow Airport.
Sir Sadiq insisted he is “as pro-growth as anybody in the Labour team” but voiced his concern that expansion at Heathrow is not the way to achieve growth in the economy.
Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr on LBC, the Sir Sadiq also praised Lord Peter Mandelson as an ‘astute and a smart appointment’ as Ambassador to the US.
Labour backlash as Heathrow dubbed 'hugely damaging mistake’
Wednesday 29 January 2025 23:59
,
Jane Dalton
Peter Mandelson backtracks on 'ill-judged' Trump criticism
Wednesday 29 January 2025 22:22
,
Jane Dalton
Ex-Reform UK Scotland leader quits after being suspended
Wednesday 29 January 2025 21:17
,
Jane Dalton
The former Scotland leader for Reform UK has left the party after she was suspended following the revelation that she was an administrator for a Facebook page that reportedly contained racist posts.
Last week, the Daily Record reported that Michelle Ballantyne was an administrator of the Reform UK Standing with Scotland Facebook group - which the newspaper said had far-right posts published on it.
According to the newspaper, the group regularly features posts about former first minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Ms Ballantyne was previously a Scottish Conservative MSP for the South Scotland region and was leader of Reform UK Scotland from January 2021 to February 2022.
On Tuesday, she announced in the public group that she had ended her membership and had been suspended via email the previous day.
A spokesperson for Reform UK said Ms Ballantyne had been suspended as "standard practice" while they carried out an investigation.
Reform UK has previously said the group has "nothing to do with the party".
Ryanair boss launches foul-mouthed attack on Heathrow plan
Wednesday 29 January 2025 20:09
,
Jane Dalton
Michael O’Leary has hit out at Rachel Reeves in a foul-mouthed tirade, claiming the chancellor “hasn’t a clue” about how to generate economic growth.
Reeves refuses to slow rollout of new workers' rights
Wednesday 29 January 2025 18:56
,
Jane Dalton
The Chancellor has said she will not slow down the introduction of new employment rights for workers to appease businesses.
"We continue to work with business to make sure that we get those employment regulations right," Rachel Reeves told ITV's Peston.
Asked if she might phase them in over a longer period as some businesses have suggested, she said "no".
"No, but we're making sure we get them right," she said, giving the examples of changes to probation periods so businesses can "take a risk" on a new employee and banning zero-hour contracts which should allow employers to take people on for short-term contracts to cover busy periods.
Thousands will have to be rehoused to allow Heathrow expansion
Wednesday 29 January 2025 17:30
,
Alex Ross
Up to 10,000 people will have to be rehoused to make way for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, an MP has claimed.
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said 4,000 properties in his Hayes and Harlington constituency will have to be demolished, as he asked the Government to release documents that helped convince some Cabinet ministers to undergo a “Damascene conversion” to support the project.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves offered her support to Heathrow expansion in a speech outlining the Government’s plan to kickstart economic growth in the UK.
The airport needs to secure approval for a development consent order to go ahead with the delayed project.
Independent MP Mr McDonnell, who lost the Labour whip last year after rebelling on a welfare vote, told the Commons: “There’s so much to be welcomed in this statement but, sadly, I believe it has been tainted by the decision on the third runway at Heathrow.
“When such a decision is made by the Chancellor, by the government, it’s important that there’s full openness and transparency so that we can explain the government’s thinking to our constituents.”
Airport expansion plans 'make a mockery' of net-zero carbon commitments
Wednesday 29 January 2025 17:00
,
Alex Ross
Countryside charity CPRE said the chancellor's airport expansion plans would "make a mockery" of its net-zero carbon commitments.
Roger Mortlock, chief executive, said: "The single biggest threat to the countryside is climate change. If the government expands Heathrow, Luton, City and Gatwick airports, the increase in carbon emissions will make a mockery of its commitment to reaching net zero by 2030.
"Airport expansion will do nothing to boost UK growth. There has been no net increase in air travel for business purposes or in jobs in air transport since 2007.
"Local groups in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, London and Sussex have been at the forefront of campaigns to prevent further airport expansion. If implemented, these proposals would have a devastating impact on some of the UK’s most valuable agricultural land, vital wildlife habitats and green spaces close to millions of people’s homes."
How many homes will be affected by Gatwick and Heathrow plans?
Wednesday 29 January 2025 16:54
,
Alex Ross
We’ve been adding up the numbers to work out what impact the expansion of Gatwick and Heathrow will have, in terms of UK investment, environmental cost and homes impacted.
Read our piece here:
Inside the village that will be chopped in half by airport expansion
Wednesday 29 January 2025 18:00
,
Alex Ross
Six years ago, travel correspondent Simon Calder visited the village of Harmondsworth, that will be split in two under plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Under the plan, Harmondsworth would see half its homes – and the primary school – demolished to make way for the third runway to the south.
Meanwhile, the A4 trunk road, diverted by the expansion plan, would encroach from the north.
Here’s his report:
