Heathrow Expansion
Thursday, 12 February 2026
Contributions
Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD)Liberal Democrat
14. What recent progress her Department has made on Heathrow expansion.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)Labour
The Department launched the review of the airports national policy statement in October 2025, and selected a single scheme to inform that review in November. We are reviewing the ANPS swiftly but thoroughly, and we intend to consult on any revisions by the summer.
The Environmental Audit Committee recently found “that the Government is proceeding without the necessary evidence base to sufficiently underpin its economic arguments for airport expansion.” Now senior figures in the airline industry are warning about serious economic consequences of the unaffordable, eye-watering costs that will be passed on to their passengers. Will the Minister now admit that the maths for Heathrow expansion simply does not add up, and that the project is about saving the Chancellor’s economic credibility when her other policies are undermining growth?
The hon. Lady asks about the case for Heathrow expansion and collecting the data in reference to that. The ANPS review will do exactly that, reflecting changes in legislation, policy and analysis since the current ANPS was designated in 2018. It will ensure that any proposed scheme for expansion at Heathrow will be consistent with air quality obligations and will contribute to economic growth across the entirety of the United Kingdom.
Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5249846.