Rachel Reeves has asserted that she is "confident" that her plans for Heathrow expansion will find the right balance between sustainable aviation and economic growth. This comes a day after the chancellor's major speech outlining plans for economic growth and initiatives, including a third runway at Heathrow Airport and investments into the Oxford-Cambridge 'Growth Corridor'. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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00:00I'm confident that sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand-in-hand.
00:05The efficiency of engines used in aeroplanes has improved.
00:10And just at the beginning of this year, this government has introduced a mandate
00:14for sustainable aviation fuel that can cut carbon emissions from flying by 70%.
00:20We've asked Heathrow to come forward with plans by this summer
00:24that meet strict carbon and environmental rules.
00:27They're confident that they can do that, and I look forward to seeing their plans.
00:30That's a big change from where we were at the end of last year, when it was at 0%.
00:35And at the same time, engines are also becoming more efficient.
00:39But in places like Humberside, where I am today, and Teesside,
00:43there are massive opportunities for investment in sustainable aviation fuel,
00:47creating good jobs in the industries of the future.
00:51So we are confident, and Heathrow are confident, that we can deliver a third runway at Heathrow,
00:58whilst also meeting those objectives.
01:00But look, I understand that there's always going to be people who object to big infrastructure.
01:06That's the case, whether it is wind farms or solar farms,
01:10or new train lines, new airports and runways.
01:14But the problem is, if we always say no to big infrastructure investments,
01:18our economy is going to continue in the slow lane.
01:21We're not going to be able to create that wealth, those jobs and that prosperity,
01:25which is essential for lifting living standards.
01:27And so that's why this government are going to crack on, deliver,
01:31and show that in Britain, we can build things.
01:33We were really clear in our manifesto that we would honour all existing licences,
01:38including at Rosebank and Jackdaw, and we will stick by those manifesto commitments.