Britain | Take-off

Backing Heathrow expansion suggests Labour is serious about boosting growth

It is the surest sign yet that the government is up for the fight

Sunrise Over Tower Bridge.
Photograph: Getty Images

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”

From the February 1st 2025 edition

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