Chancellor Rachel Reeves endorsed the expansion of Heathrow Airport and other airports as part of a strategy to revitalize the UK's economy, which has stagnated since Labour's leadership began. She emphasized the need for significant infrastructure developments, including a proposed "growth corridor" between Oxford and Cambridge. Reeves acknowledged the environmental concerns that have previously delayed such expansions but asserted they were crucial to making the UK a leading destination for business. Despite criticisms regarding her government's budget policy, Reeves stressed that growth is achievable despite challenges, proclaiming it requires decisive action and commitment from the government.
Reeves claimed in her speech the measures were needed to "restore economic stability" and she had "no alternative". But she said she now wanted to go "further and faster" to boost economic growth.
The UK is a country of "huge potential" but "for too long, that potential has been held back", the chancellor said. Growth has flatlined since Labour took power.
"Low growth is not our destiny, but growth will not come without a fight, without a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country's future for the better."
In a wide-ranging speech to business leaders, she also backed expansions at Luton and Gatwick airports, as well as a "growth corridor" between Oxford and Cambridge, which she claimed could be "Europe’s Silicon Valley."
Collection
[
|
...
]