Reeves says growth eclipses net zero as Heathrow runway decision looms

Rachel Reeves appeared to dismiss objections to airport expansion by repeatedly emphasising that growth, not net zero, was the government’s ‘No 1 mission’. Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Economic growth is more important to the UK government than net zero, Rachel Reeves has said, dropping a heavy hint that she intends to shrug off climate concerns and reaffirm her backing for a third runway at Heathrow.

The chancellor is expected to give her firm support to the expansion of Britain’s busiest airport – as well as bringing a second runway at Gatwick into full-time use and increasing the capacity of Luton – in a speech later this month.