Rachel Reeves grilled on past opposition to airport expansion over environmental concernsSource: BBC Breakfast
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00:00A lot has changed since then, including how aeroplanes fly and including sustainable aviation fuel.
00:07And as that evidence changes, I think it is right to look again at airport expansion.
00:12We've already, as a government, signed off expansion at Stansted Airport
00:17because we know how important it is to make sure that Britain is connected.
00:22But the changes in the way we fly are so important.
00:26Sustainable aviation fuel is changing the way that the energy intensity,
00:32the carbon emissions from flying are coming down.
00:36That's why I say that sustainable aviation and economic growth do and can go hand in hand.
00:42People at home have been listening carefully to your answer just then, Chancellor.
00:46I think you said that you did oppose Leeds Bradford Airport's expansion
00:52because of air and noise pollution reasons.
00:56And people don't like it when there are double standards.
00:59You seem to be involved in NIMBYism, where you didn't want it close to your home.
01:05But now, with Heathrow, you're taking an entirely different approach.
01:10Things have changed. And if plans came forward again at Leeds Bradford, I would support expansion.