Chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed a third runway at Heathrow would improve air quality by allowing planes to land directly rather than circling London, despite previously opposing airport expansion in her own area.
Speaking to the BBC, Reeves argued that changes in aviation technology supported the case for Heathrow expansion.
However, it emerged that in 2020, Reeves opposed the £150million expansion of Leeds-Bradford Airport, close to her own constituency of Leeds West & Pudsey, which she has represented since 2010.
At the time, she argued the Leeds-Bradford expansion would "significantly increase air and noise pollution" and undermine Leeds' commitment to become a "carbon neutral city" by 2030.
Reeves said the expansion would improve air quality
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Reeves told the BBC that "a lot has changed in terms of aviation" with sustainable aviation fuel changing carbon emissions from flying. She highlighted "huge investment going on in electric planes" and argued that a third runway would reduce aircraft circling London.
The Chancellor stressed that ministers have already approved expansion at Gatwick and London City Airport.
She said these developments would be "good for investment and trade in our country and also good for families wanting to go on cheaper holidays."
Speaking to Sky News, Reeves warned that ministers opposed to Heathrow expansion will be expected to fall in line, saying the decision would be bound by "full collective ministerial responsibility."
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Leeds Bradford Airport
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Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry spoke out against the plans
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Environmental groups and the Green Party have strongly opposed the expansion plans, with Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry saying: "The aviation lobby is loud and well-funded, but the Government should instead be listening to scientists and its own Climate Change Committee, which has already urged a halt to overall airport expansion.
"The previous Labour Government’s poor record on airport expansion doesn’t have to continue."
Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has warned that a third runway will not proceed if it breaches Britain's carbon targets. Appearing before the Commons environmental audit committee, Miliband said: "100 per cent, any aviation expansion must be justified within carbon budgets and if it can't be justified it won't go ahead."
He stressed that achieving climate goals was a policy of the whole Government, including the Chancellor.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband answering questions at Environmental Audit Committee
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The expansion could increase Heathrow's annual flights from 480,000 to 720,000, raising concerns about climate impact and noise pollution.
The Chancellor acknowledged her pro-growth rhetoric echoed that of former Prime Minister Liz Truss but insisted her approach was different.
She urged international investors to "take another look at Britain," saying the Government was "removing the barriers" to investment.
Shadow Transport Secretary Gareth Bacon has also warned of "major obstacles" to the third runway, including its impact on the M25 and the need to purchase around 1,000 local homes.
