29 January 2025, 18:07 | Updated: 29 January 2025, 18:15

By Henry Moore

Rachel Reeves has insisted sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand as she defended her decision to back a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Speaking to LBC’s Andrew Marr, the Chancellor said “the sun is out” for British business as she reaffirmed her mission to bring growth back to Britain.

It comes after Ms Reeves threw her support behind plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, despite concerns over its environmental impact.

In a speech in Oxfordshire on growth, the Chancellor said the west London airport's expansion is "badly needed" because "for decades its growth has been constrained".

Speaking to LBC on Wednesday, Ms Reeves hit out at critics of the plan as she said: “Sustainable aviation and economic growth go hand in hand.

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Heathrow’s third runway plan backed by Rachel Reeves

“There have been huge changes in the way people fly in the last few years, and just this year we've introduced the sustainable aviation fuel mandate, which will be increasing in the years ahead.

“£63 million today into producing sustainable aviation fuel, which will encourage and help create jobs........

© LBC