What does a third runway mean for Heathrow?

Following years of debate, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed the expansion of Heathrow Airport and plans to create a third runway, which, she says, is “badly needed” to boost Britain’s infrastructure and economy.

First proposed in 2003 and approved by Gordon Brown’s Labour government in 2009, the plan has faced various challenges over the years. Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, voted against the expansion at the time, as did various other members of his government. The…