London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has insisted that his “views haven’t changed” in terms of his opposition to the expansion of Heathrow airport.
His intervention comes after days of controversy sparked by the apparent enthusiasm of Chancellor Rachel Reeves to give the green light for new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton to boost economic growth.
Sir Sadiq has consistently opposed a third runway at Heathrow – saying a second runway at Gatwick would be better for the environment.
Speaking at a question and answer session on his new budget, in front of the London Assembly on Thursday morning, Sir Sadiq appeared to indicate he would only back expansion if it “abides” with environmental safeguards and not worsen the “climate emergency”.
Asked by Green assembly member Zack Polanski whether his 2025/26 budget contained money for a legal challenge, Sir Sadiq said: “There is no money set aside in the budget, based on speculation.
“I have seen speculation in the media about a speech the Chancellor may give in a few weeks’ time.
“I have seen no proposals from Heathrow airport. I have seen no plans for a new runway. I have seen no announcement from the Government.
“What Londoners know, and the Government knows, is the aviation sector is important for growth, jobs and prosperity. But we face a climate crisis and a climate emergency.
“The climate change committee, well respected, set out quite clearly its recommendations, which is the only time expansion in aviation should be considered – I’m paraphrasing – is if it abides with our climate change commitments, and so forth.
“The three big concerns that will need to be addressed, in the hypothetical case the speculation was to become a reality, is: could a new runway be built that abides with carbon targets, concerns around noise pollution and concerns around air pollution.
“Should that speculation become a reality then of course I will consider the merits of that case.
“But I am quite clear that my views on the expansion of Heathrow and a new runway haven’t changed.”
Asked about media reports suggesting the mayor “wouldn’t hesitate” to join a legal challenge, and whether he was now “rowing back” on his opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, Sir Sadiq added: “I think if you read the press reports accurately, they were quoting what I said last week [at Mayor’s Question Time.”
